GLIDING MOTILITY OF <i>OSCILLATORIA</i>: ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE FIBRILLAR LAYER^1,²

Abstract

SUMMARY Ultrastructural examination of platinum‐carbon replicated trichomes or wall fragments of 3 Oscilatoria species readily displayed the fibrillar components of the presumed motility system. These fibrils had a lateral organization as well as longitudinal continuity and wavelike distortions, which are consistent with the hypothesized movement mechanism. The fibrils were sensitive to proteolytic enzymes but resistant to hydrolytic agents, suggesting a protein composition. The fibrils and motility were unaffected by cytochalasin B.