Observations on scale production in prymnesium parvum

Abstract

Information is provided regarding certain structural and developmental aspects of the single Golgi body present in the brown flagellate, Prymnesium parvum. Probably the most important new observation is the demonstration of scale production within certain Golgi cisternae. Different developmental states from immature to mature can be found in successive cisternae on one side of the Golgi centre, the scales themselves being all similarly oriented with respect to the inner and outer faces of the cisternae in which they are formed. A deep pit found in a relatively constant position attached to the plasmalemma beside each flagellar base is interpreted as being possibly the site of scale liberation. These findings are discussed in a preliminary way.