Fine Structure of <i>Colpoda steinii</i> During Encystment and Excystment

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. The encystment and excystment of Colpoda steinii was examined by electron microscopy. Cellular organelles including cilia are retained in the cyst without any fundamental alteration in structure. During encystment, the cell becomes surrounded by 2 coats, the inner of which is the more substanial and regular and is about 1600 A or more thick. It is probably formed in the main from material contained in bodies which have no obvious structure and which may be seen in the cell during cyst formation. Discharging vacuoles containing sheet‐like material, probably derived from ingested bacteria, are particularly visible during encystment but probably play no direct role in the formation of the main cyst coat. During excystment, this coat is eroded away and, when it becomes thin enough, the motile cell bursts its way out.