This study provides evidence for the Golgi-like activity of the multilayered interlaced network (MIN) and new ultrastructural observations of the MIN in the sporoplasm of Anncaliia algerae, a microsporidium that infects both insects and humans. The MIN is attached to the end of the polar tubule upon extrusion from the germinating spore. It surrounds the sporoplasm, immediately below its plasma membrane, and most likely maintains the integrity of the sporoplasm, as it is pulled through the everting polar tube.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe three-dimensional (3-D) network of the granum-stroma thylakoid assembly of vascular plant chloroplasts exhibits complex structural/functional heterogeneity. A complete understanding of the ultrastructure of this assembly is critical for our understanding of thylakoid function. The prevailing historical model of thylakoid structure, based on information derived from serial section analyses of electron microscopy (EM) images, suggests a helical arrangement of stroma membranes wound around the granum stacks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe C. elegans eat-3 gene encodes a mitochondrial dynamin family member homologous to Opa1 in humans and Mgm1 in yeast. We find that mutations in the C.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe role of mitochondria in cell metabolism and survival is controlled by calcium signals that are commonly transmitted at the close associations between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, the physical linkage of the ER-mitochondria interface and its relevance for cell function remains elusive. We show by electron tomography that ER and mitochondria are adjoined by tethers that are approximately 10 nm at the smooth ER and approximately 25 nm at the rough ER.
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