SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY OF TINTINNOPSIS-PARVA - STUDIES ON PARTICLE ACCUMULATION AND THE STRIAE

SYNOPSIS. Lorica building was studied experimentally for Tintinnopsis parva Merkle, an agglutinated tintinnid. This species incorporated either siliceous or Ca‐rich particles. Evidence of agglutination was seen within 30 min after the addition of particles to cultures of the protozoa. Fully agglutinated loricae were produced by the proter; partially incrusted loricae attributed to an opisthe were also recovered. The cytoplasmic evaginations of unknown function called striae were seen in the scanning electron microscope in better relief than ever before. They may provide the mechanism whereby the enclosed capsules are brought into contact with prey organisms. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved