On plastid symbiosis in Tontonia appendiculariformis (Ciliophora, Oligotrichina)

Abstract

Many hundreds of isolated plastids, in a good state of preservation in their living host, the planktonic ciliate Tontonia appendiculariformis (Oligotrichina), have been studied by electron microscopy. These distinctive plastids, located at the periphery of the host's body, which do not belong to complete symbiotic algae, are described in detail. All are bounded by three membranes. Although degenerating plastids were observed none were ever seen in division. Their possible origin, the significance of the three plastid membranes, and the degree of symbiosis established are discussed. From their organization, these plastids may have originated from several species of chromophyte algae, such as dinophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae, and Bacillariophyceae or Chrysophyceae. Because of their absence of division and of their possible degeneration, they are probably not integrated genetically. However, they appear to survive for some time and to remain functional. There is evidence that the outermost third plastid membrane arises from the host ciliate. Finally, hypotheses are proposed to explain the incorporation of the plastids into the ciliate, and their possible role in building cortical polysaccharide plates.