Studies on the Fibrous Components of the Test of Ciona intestinalis Linnæus. I. Cellulose‐like Polysaccharide

Chemical, histochemical and electron microscopic studies on the fibrous polysaccharide component of the test of Ciona intestinalis L. were made. The results showed cellulose‐like fibres to be present in the cuticle layer and in the ground substance. Bundles of fibres varying in diameter from 80 to 600 nm interweave to form a conspicuous network. The bundle appears to be formed of flat fibres, 10–13 nm in width, while the fibre is composed of fibrils 3.5–5 nm; the rectangular cross section of fibres can be supposed. The probable rôle of this polysaccharide is discussed.