Ultrastructure of epidermal eyespots of Microstomum lineare (Turbellaria, Macrostomida).

Irmeli Palmberg, M Reuter, M Wikgren

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

    22 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The eyespots of Microstomum lineare were studied by electron microscopy, light microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. Each eyespot consists of two ciliary photoreceptor cells shielded by pigment cells and additional sensory cells. The photoreceptor cells are characterized by a distal intracellular cavity lined with 50-100 interwoven cilia. The other sensory cells are of two ultrastructurally different types, one with long cilia predominating and the other with balloonlike cilia. The pigment cells, which envelop processes of the sensory cells, contain pigment vacuoles varying in size and content and give a bright red fluorescence by the Falck-Hillarp method. The eyespots are suggested to perform a dual function as photoreceptors and chemoreceptors. The evolutionary significance of ciliary photoreceptors in Turbellaria is discussed.
    Original languageUndefined/Unknown
    Pages (from-to)21–32
    JournalCell and Tissue Research
    Volume210
    Issue number1
    Publication statusPublished - 1980
    MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

    Cite this