The lost neuromotor apparatus of Chlamydomonas: rediscovered

Early light microscopic studies of the biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas revealed a fibrous system, the neuromotor apparatus, which appeared to link physically the flagellar apparatus to the cell nucleus. Following the development of the electron microscope, the existence of a neuromotor apparatus in Chlamydomonas was cast into doubt since it was not observed in studies carried out at ultrastructural resolution. Here we show, by indirect immunofluorescence, using monoclonal antibodies and electron microscopy employing refined specimen preparation and staining techniques, that the neuromotor apparatus of Chlamydomonas does indeed exist. The functional significance of this system is discussed in light of both historic proposals and recent experimental findings.