Ultrastructure and Differentiation of Hydrodictyon Reticulatum V. Development of Polyhedra

Abstract

The fine structure of mature zygospores and azygospores of H. reticulatum is briefly discussed before their differentiation to form biflagellate zoospores is described. These large zoospores are liberated through a rupture in the parental wall and after a brief period of feeble motility, retract their flagella and secrete a cell wall themselves. This wall is deposited unevenly, producing the characteristic spines of polyhedra.