Microscopic views of Green Seaweed Gametes

Microscopic views of green seaweed gametes

We know remarkably little about the structure and form of algal gametes within the Bryopsidales

Here are a few images of the large macrogametes typical of species of Penicillus, Rhypocephalus, and most Udotea

The SEM images of Rhipocepalus phoenix macrogametes shown here were obtained with assistance from Dr Ed Florance at Lewis and Clark College

Using light microscopy, you can see a flagellar array along the membranous "tail" This amazing SEM clearly shows the gamete's 3D structure, though much of the tail's detail is lost

Zooming in on the tail region reveals remnants of the flagella


Using light microscopy, you can see a flagellar array along the membranous "tail"	This amazing SEM clearly shows the gamete's 3D structure, though much of the tail's detail is lost