Ultrastructural properties of the Theromyzon (Annelida: Hirudinae) cocoon membrane.
The cocoon of the leech Theromyzon trizonare consists of fibrils packed into an arrangement that produces both C- and S-like patterns of bow-shaped lines in sections oblique through the membrane. Sections normal to the cocoon membrane show layers containing cross-sections of fibrils (approximately 16 nm dia.) that are separated by a center-to-center distance of approximately 23 nm. In cross-section, each fibril presents a central hole approximately 5 nm in diameter. A structureless layer covers most of the exterior surface of the cocoon membrane, and short protuberances are apparent in some zones.
Department of Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 315 Penn St, Camden, NJ 08102, USA.
Corneliu
C
Dimitriu
Daniel H
DH
Shain
D000818:Animals; D007865:Leeches / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008566:Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011679:Pupa / Q000648:ultrastructure