Fine structure of Sfapheardella tceniformis (Foraminifera: Protozoa)

SYNOPSIS A survey of ultrastructure in the relatively large Shepheardella tceniformis (Foraminifera) reveals several features not observed previously in this group of protozoans. Microtubules, 210–250 A in diameter, occurring in the pseudopodia and also in the cytoplasm, where they form a 1–2 μ peripheral layer, are illustrated and their possible function discussed. The huge interphasic nucleus has an envelope, roughly comparable but more complex than that found in Amoeba , which reverts to a conventional nuclear membrane during division. In the cytoplasm there are numerous 0.5 μ microbodies, of unknown function, superficially resembling vertebrate hepatic uricosomes, and which, so far as is known, are unique in protozoan ultra‐structure.