Zygospore development of Spirogyra (Charophyta) investigated by serial block-face scanning electron microscopy and 3D reconstructions.

ABSTRACT: Sexual reproduction of Zygnematophyceae by conjugation is a less investigated topic due to the difficulties of the induction of this process and zygospore ripening under laboratory conditions. For this study, we collected field sampled zygospores of Spirogyra mirabilis and three additional Spirogyra strains in Austria and Greece. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy was performed on high pressure frozen and freeze substituted zygospores and 3D reconstructions were generated, allowing a comprehensive insight into the process of zygospore maturation, involving storage compound and organelle rearrangements. Chloroplasts are drastically changed, while young stages contain both parental chloroplasts, the male chloroplasts are aborted and reorganised as 'secondary vacuole

SUBMITTER: Antreich SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10978657 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature