Date of Award

Spring 5-2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Roni Kingsley

Second Advisor

Dr. Brad Goodner

Abstract

Calcification within the cell and the cell wall Acetabularia acetabulum, a large single cell alga, is examined through an ultrastructural investigation, electron diffraction, and an elemental analysis. These methods suggest that amorphous calcium carbonate is located adjacent to and within the cell wall. The location of the crystals within and directly outside the cell wall suggests the calcium is obtained from the surrounding environment. Fibrillar structures are seen through SEM in areas where calcification is occurring. This fibrillar material appears to serve as the organic matrix where calcification initiates. Intracellularly electron dense materials is seen in the chloroplasts. This material is either CaCl2 or CaCl2 . 2H2O but lacks a strong line through electron diffraction to confirm the compound. The origin and the role the crystals play within the chloroplasts are not clear at this time.

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS