Discotricha papillifera: structure and morphogenesis of a marine interstitial ciliate.
Discotricha papillifera Tuffrau, a marine interstitial ciliate, is redescribed with the aid of light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy from cells collected at a New Hampshire beach. Presence of primitive membranelles as well as an advanced stomatogenesis is demonstrated. The ultrastructure, including a unique membrane-bounded septate structure, is described. The cell is tentatively placed in the nassulid suborder Microthoracina, but affinities with other groups are discussed.
D000818:Animals; D016798:Ciliophora / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009024:Morphogenesis