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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #121637
Title: TEM OBSERVATIONS OF ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE RECTAL GLAND CELLS AND RELATED TISSUES

Author
item ORION, DANIEL - VOLCANI CENTER, ISRAEL
item WERGIN, WILLIAM - COLLABORATOR, USDA, ARS
item Murphy, Charles - Charlie
item Chitwood, David

Submitted to: Society of Nematology Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/25/2001
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Transmission electron microscopy of the posterior regions of female Meloidogyne incognita revealed features of the rectal gland cells (RGCs), the gelatinous matrix (GM), and other tissues. Each RGC, typically greater than 50 micrometers long, contains a prominent nucleus and nucleolus. Rough ER and glycogen granules are the most common organelles in the anterior region of RGCs, whereas the posterior contains an elaborate system of ducts and vesicles. The vesicles contain granular material similar in appearance to that of the GM and secrete their contents into the ducts leading to the anus. The granular material progresses to the exterior of the female and engulfs the developing eggs. The hypodermal cells near the rectal glands are elongated and contain prominent nuclei, dense cytoplasm and many glycogen granules. The adjacent somatic muscles are degenerated. The vulva is a valve with a thick cuticle and massive muscles that connect to the cuticle and contract to open the vulva. These structural features assist in visualizing the processes leading to GM development and egg laying.