Fine structure of the photogenous areas in the bioluminescent ophiuroid Amphipholis squamata (Echinodermata, Ophiuridea)
Deheyn, D.; Alva, V.; Jangoux, M. (1996). Fine structure of the photogenous areas in the bioluminescent ophiuroid Amphipholis squamata (Echinodermata, Ophiuridea). Zoomorphology 116(4): 195-204 In: Zoomorphology. Springer-Verlag: Berlin; Heidelberg. ISSN 0720-213X; e-ISSN 1432-234X, more |  |
| Keywords | Biology > Organism morphology > Animal morphology
Luminescence > Bioluminescence
Amphipholis squamata (Delle Chiaje, 1828) [WoRMS]; Echinodermata [WoRMS]; Ophiuroidea [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract | Amphipholis squamata is a small bioluminescent ophiuroid whose arms are the only body part to produce light. The morphology of the arms was described paying particular attention to the spinal ganglia, viz the areas of most intense luminescence. Spinal ganglia consist of five different cell types (A-E) which were studied at different stages of the photogenous reaction. Type D cells have numerous irregularlyshaped vacuoles, widespread Golgi apparatus and well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) that show obvious ultrastructural changes after luminescence. Type D cells appear, therefore, to be the best photocyte candidate. Type B and C cells were frequently observed in the nervous system outside spinal ganglia. Type A and E cells have not been described before. Type A cells are ciliated cells and type E cells extend long processes which are intimately associated with type D cells and epidermal ciliated cells. Both type A and type E cells could take part to the stimulation pathway that trigger luminescence. |
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