Abstract
The surface morphology of the byssus of Mytilus galloprovincialis was investigated with the scanning electron microscope (SEM), and its structure studied by microdissection and on histological sections obtained with the freezing microtome. A detailed description of the structure of the byssus is given. The stem should be regarded as an organ that undergoes extensive age-related structural changes, chiefly consisting of variations in the number and arrangement of its threads. The stem and the thread differ considerably in structure, as expected from their different mechanical function. The stem consists of an outer layer of laminar “cuffs” wrapped around a cylindrical “core”. The threads are made up of different portions, i.e., (1) a rigid portion (cuff), by which they are attached to the stem; (2) a straight, elastic proximal portion where a corrugated sheath envelops a central rectilinear core; (3) a rigid, cylindrical distal portion; (4) an adhesive plate which anchors to the substratum. On the strength of the above, the function of the byssus and its formation process are discussed.
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Communicated by B. Battaglia, Padua
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Bairati, A., Vitellaro-Zuccarello, L. The ultrastructure of the byssal apparatus of Mytilus galloprovincialis. II. Observations by microdissection and scanning electron microscopy. Mar. Biol. 28, 145–158 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00396305
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00396305