Fine structure of the spores of Minchinia chitonis (Lankester, 1885) Labbé, 1896 (Sporozoa: Haplosporida), a parasite of the chiton, Lepidochitona cinereus

Abstract

SUMMARYA morphological study of the fine structure of the spores of Minchinia chitonis, a haplosporidian parasite of the chiton, Lepidochitona cinereus, is described. The spores contained a single nucleus, mitochondria, haplosporosomes, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes and a large spherule (presumed Golgi apparatus). The spore wall was discontinuous at the spherule end, forming an opening covered by a lid which rested on a circumscribed flange. The flange of the spore wall and the lid were continuous in only one area which served as a hinge. The entire spore was encapsulated by epispore cytoplasm bounded by a strengthened membrane and extended to form 2 long projections, one at either end.