Observations on the fine structure of two species of <i>Platymonas</i> with special reference to flagellar scales and the mode of origin of the theca

Abstract

The morphology and microanatomy of two species of Platymonas have been investigated and certain stages of cell division studied. The anatomical features closely resemble those recently described for the motile phase of Prasinocladus except for characteristic differences in pyrenoid structure (cf. Parke &amp; Manton, 1965). The flagella of Platymonas are indistinguishable from those of Prasinocladus, being covered with two layers of scales beneath a layer of structureless mucus which obscures their presence except in sections. Caducous hairs resembling those of Prasinocladus and related genera are also borne on the flagella.