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.
Dimitriu
Corneliu
C
Department of Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 315 Penn St, Camden, NJ 08102, USA.
Shain
Daniel H
DH
D000818:Animals; D007865:Leeches / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008566:Membranes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011679:Pupa / Q000648:ultrastructure