Junctional structures in <i>Hydra</i>

Abstract

The sealing and communicating junctions present in hydra have been examined using conventional staining, lanthanum tracer and freeze-fracturing techniques. The presence of distinct types of gap and septate junctions has been confirmed. Combined lanthanum tracer and freeze-fracture results have provided a more detailed understanding of these junctional structures. A model has been constructed which demonstrates the various aspects of the junction seen at different sectioning angles. The probable lengths of septa within septate junctions and the junctional 'maze' formed by them is discussed because of its bearing on the 'sealing' nature of the junction and also, to some extent, on its permeability to tracers such as lanthanum.