An alternative interpretation of the fine structure of the basal zone of the cuticle of the dauerlarva of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (Nematoda)

Abstract

The fine structure of the basal zone of the cuticle of the dauerlarva of Caenorhabditis elegans was examined in order to help resolve controversies regarding its structure. The results show that the striated layer in the basal zone consists of two sets of laminae oriented at right angles to each other. One set of laminae consists of longitudinally oriented, alternately thick and thin, osmiophilic strips with the distance between similar strips measuring 19 nm. The other set of laminae consists only of thick strips spaced about 14.5 nm apart which are oriented circumferentially about the larva. It is speculated that the striated layer of the basal zone of the cuticle consists of blocks of protein separated by this apparent network of interconnecting osmiophilic laminae.