Ultrastructural Investigations of Dormant Tilletia Caries Teliospores

Abstract

SUMMARY The ultrastructure of dormant Tilletia caries (DC.) Tul. (race T-6) teliospores was studied using freeze-etching and ultrasectioning techniques. Dormant teliospores possessed a thick wall composed of two outer wall layers, a partition layer, and an inner layer. Typical mitochondria were not observed in dormant spores, and only a limited amount of endoplasmic reticulum was seen. Lipid bodies were abundant, the plasma membrane contained sparse invaginations, and numerous particles were associated with the plasma membrane. A new unidentified organelle was seen. These unidentified organelles contained numerous particles on their surfaces and these organelles appear to be associated with lipid bodies.