The Form and Function of the Cytostome‐Cytopharynx of the Culture Forms of the Elasmobranch Haemoflagellate Trypanosoma raiae Laveran & Mesnil

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. In the culture forms of the elasmobranch trypanosome Trypanosoma raiae is found a prominent cytopharyngeal complex. This consists of a group of 5 or 6 microtubules associated with a deep invagination of the cell membrane which arises from a cytostome near the opening of the flagellar pocket. This structure is a constant feature of the various epimastigote and trypomastigote forms that this flagellate has in culture. Replication of the cytopharyngeal apparatus is completed before cytokinesis. Experiments using ferritin as an electron dense tracer show that endocytosis occurs from the blind ending of the cytopharynx both in the exponential and stationary phases of growth in vitro. Ferritin is transported from the cytopharynx by endocytotic vesicles to large, membrane‐bound vacuoles in the posterior region of the cell. Ultrastructural location of non‐specific acid phosphatase within these digestive vacuoles and also within the Golgi apparatus is reported. Coated vesicles found in association with the flagellar pocket are another route of uptake of ferritin by T. raiae.