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Morphogenesis of the hydrogenosome: an ultrastructural study
M Benchimol1, P J Johnson, W de Souza
1Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Biology of the Cell
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Hydrogenosomes in trichomonads divide through segmentation or partition, similar to mitochondria. Endoplasmic reticulum and myelin-like structures may play roles in hydrogenosome morphogenesis and lipid supply.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Hydrogenosomes are unique organelles found in anaerobic protists.
- Their biogenesis and division mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
- Trichomonads, including important pathogens, possess hydrogenosomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphogenesis and division processes of hydrogenosomes in various trichomonad species.
- To elucidate the potential roles of other cellular components in hydrogenosome biogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of thin sections.
- Freeze-fracture replica analysis of whole cells and isolated organelles.
Main Results:
- Observed close proximity and continuity between endoplasmic reticulum and hydrogenosomes.
- Identified two distinct division processes: segmentation and partition.
- Described microfibrillar involvement in segmentation and membrane invagination in partition.
- Noted myelin-like structures near hydrogenosomes, suggesting a lipid source.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogenosomes, like mitochondria, divide via segmentation and partition.
- Endoplasmic reticulum and myelin-like structures are potentially involved in hydrogenosome growth and membrane biogenesis.