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The structure and chemical composition of the nematode cuticle. Observations on some oxyurids and Ascaris

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

A. O. Anya
A. O. Anya
Affiliation:
The Molteno Institute, University of Cambridge
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Extract

Studies of the cuticle of Aspiculuris tetraptera with both the light and the electron microscopes have shown that there are three basic layers, namely the cortex, which consists of an outer and an inner layer, the matrix layer and the fibre layer; the latter is made up of three layers. There is, in addition, a thin osmiophilic superficial membrane on the surface of the cuticle; this membrane is seen only with the electron microscope.

It is shown that the major structural protein of the cuticle, although showing no axial periodicity, is collagen; the collagen is associated with hyaluronic-acid- and chondroitin-sulphate-containing mucopolysaccharides.

Evidence is presented for the existence of two centres of protein synthesis (collagen fibrogenesis) in the cuticle of A. tetraptera, Syphacia obvelata and Ascaris lumbricoides. These centres are located in the inner cortex and the hypodermis. The cuticle is thus very active metabolically.

I wish to acknowledge with thanks the facilities afforded me at the Molteno Institute during the course of these studies by the Director, Dr P. Tate. My thanks are also due to Dr D. L. Lee for his encouragement and helpful discussions during the investigations.

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 56 , Issue 1 , February 1966 , pp. 179 - 198
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1966

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