An Electron Microscope Study of the Spore of a Microsporidian, <i>Thelohania californica</i>*

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. An electron microscope study has been made of the spores of a microsporidian, Thelohania californica , parasitic in Culex tarsalis. Fresh spores measure 7–9 × 5–6 μ and contain a polar filament which when extruded may reach a length of 150 μ or more. Thus, this is a typical microsporidian spore. The spore is enveloped in a resistant outer membrane. The polar filament is attached to this membrane at the narrow anterior end, runs inward for a distance and is coiled spirally close to the inner surface of the outer membrane. There are 12–14 spiral turns in the majority of the spores. In the anterior five turns the filament is distinctly larger in diameter than in the seven or more posterior coils. The polar filament appears to be tubular, but the lumen is filled partially or completely with material of high electron density. A laminated polaroplast surrounds the basal portion of the filament and extends into the middle and posterior regions of the intrasporal cavity. The sporoplasm is uninucleate and lies in close contact with the polar filament and the polaroplast. There is no polar capsule.