[Mesosome-like structures in the mycobiont of Lichina pygmaea].

Abstract

In the mycobiont of the lichen Lichina pygmaea mesosome-like structures are described which mainly occur in the fungi cells close to the algal layer. These structures consist of numerous irregularly arranged tubuli which are most distinct after fixation with glutaraldehyde at pH 7.0. Using different fixatives at varying pH they tend to visiculate. In the cytoplasm neighboured to the mesosome-like structures zones of very high contrast appear. They consist of a homogenous and a granular substance. Staining the samples with Best Carmin or treating them with amylase it could be shown that at least the granular component of the darkly stained area represents glycogen. The function of the mesosome-like structures in glycogen synthesis is discussed.