Xenbase Image ID: 74402

Fig. 3. Ultrastructure of X. tropicalis embryonic epidermis reveals four distinct cell types. (A,C,E,G,I) SEM images of transverse sections and (B,D,F,H,J) TEM images of stage 30 tadpole epidermis. (A,B) Two intercalating cells (arrows in A) can be recognised by their triangular shape, as they insert themselves in the outer cell layer. The boxed area in A is shown in higher magnification in B and shows a cytoplasmic protrusion of an intercalating cell (arrow) breaking into the cell adhesion junction area of outer cells (arrowhead). (C,D) A goblet cell, characterised by secretory vesicles releasing mucus (arrows). (E,F) A ciliated cell (CC), characterised by the presence of multiple long cilia (F), each docked to the apical membrane by a basal body (arrowhead; E) connecting to an internal rootlet (arrow; E). (G,H) A distinct cell type, rich in microvilli (arrow in G) and mitochondria (arrowhead in G). We suggest that this is one type of ionocyte. mv, microvilli. (I,J) Intercalated cell exhibiting large apical vacuoles (arrows), approximately 1 μm in diameter, which can be seen in both TEM (I) and SEM (J) images. This cell is also mitochondria rich (not shown) and we suggest that this is another type of ionocyte. Scale bars: 2 μm (A,C,G,I); 0.5 μm (B,E); 5 μm (D); 20 μm (F,H); 10 μm (J). Image published in: Dubaissi E and Papalopulu N (2011) © 2011. This image is reproduced with permission of the journal and the copyright holder. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license Larger Image Printer Friendly View

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