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Particle arrays on insect nerve membranes.
Journal of Cell Science
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Orthogonal arrays of particles found on Lepidopteran antennae nerve membranes are a single structure, not multiple. These specialized arrays, with unique lattice spacing, likely serve a localized function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Insect Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Freeze-fracture electron microscopy reveals particle arrays on Lepidopteran antennae nerve membranes.
- Initial observations suggested heterogeneity in these arrays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural uniformity of orthogonal particle arrays on Lepidopteran antennae.
- To determine the precise lattice structure and potential function of these arrays.
Main Methods:
- Freeze-fracture electron microscopy of Lepidopteran antennae.
- Optical diffraction analysis of electron micrograph negatives.
Main Results:
- Optical diffraction confirmed a single basic structure underlying all observed arrays.
- Arrays exhibit a lattice spacing of 10.7 nm x 9.1 nm with particle depressions.
- Arrays are localized to specific nerve membrane regions and are not typical gap junctions.
Conclusions:
- Superficial variations in array appearance are attributed to shadowing artifacts.
- The localized distribution suggests a specialized function for these particle arrays in Lepidopteran antennae.