title: The ultrastructure of plasmodesmata in the filamentous green alga, Bulbochaete hiloensis (Nordst.) tiffany.
abstract: The ultrastructure of the plasmodesmata found in the green alga Bulbochaete hiloensis has been examined by electron microscopy of ultra-thin sections. Unlike most other plasmodesmata that have been described recently, there are no internal components such as a desmotubule or a derivative of the endoplasmic reticulum. Each plasmodesma consists of a cylindrical connection between the plasma membranes of adjacent cells. The cylinder is constricted at each end to orifices which may be less than 100 Å in diameter. Within the cylinder the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane is lined with material probably consisting of helically arranged particles. The lumen here is 400-450 Å in diameter.The observations are discussed in relation to possible functions in intercellular transport.
authors: Department of Botany, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland.
authors: T W
authors: TW
authors: Fraser
authors: B E
authors: BE
authors: Gunning