[Ultrastructural organization of the ocelloide of Nematodinium. Phylogenetic aspect of the evolution of Warnowiidae Lindemann dinoflagellates photoreceptor (author's transl)].

Abstract

In this study, more details of the different parts of the "ocelloide" of Nematodinium are given. The "hyalosome" which has a radial symmetry is made of endoplasmic reticulum, except the mitochondrial layer. There is only one constrictor ring and only a beginning of the periocellar gallery. The basal sheet on which the crystalline lens lies is a local differentiation of the cortical layer which is observed on the ceiling of the ocellar camera. This camera is related to the intercingular sulcus. There is also an ocellar fiber. The "melanosome" which is made of a double membrane and of many couples of thylakoids is flattened dorso-ventrally. The structure of the retina is similar to that observed in the other Warnowiidae. The pigmented ring is rather well developed and is in continuity with the upper part of the retina. Owing to the simpler organization of its ocelloide, Nematodinium is situated before the genera Warnowia and Erythropsidinium in the evolutionary series.