Biología celular de Lacondonia schismatica. Análisis por microscopía electrónica y de fuerza atómica
We have previously described the cell nucleus of Lacandonia schismatica by transmission electron microscopy. In this paper, the ultrastructure of the cytoplasm of L. schismatica and photosynthesis activity were studied. In addition, atomic force microscopy was used to generate images of cell structure. Samples were prepared for standard electron microscopy using glutaraldehyde-paraformaldehyde fixation. Cells from tegument or receptacle show 1-3 Golgi apparatus. They have 3-7 cisternae, 0.81 μm width. 0.04 μm in diameter vesicles were also observed associated to cisternae. Mitochondria were 0.9 μm long and 0.35 μm width. Double membrane earphones-like plastids were observed with lipid inclusions but no developed tilacoids. No photosynthesis activity was detected in these cellular structures. Rough endoplasmic reticulum is similar to that of other eukaryotes and associated ribosomes are around 15 nm in diameter. A large nucleus and one o several vacuoles are present in cells of L. schismatica, therefore, leaving a very restricted portion for cytoplasm and organelles.