An Electron Microscope Study of Complex Membranous Structures in the Basidiomycete, Volvariella volvacea

Abstract

The membranous structures found in basidiospore-germ tubus of Volvariella volvacea consist of three main types of configurations: polyvesicular, myelinlike and multitubular. More complex and mixed ones were also observed. The formation of these structures seems to be initiated by aggregation and convolution of endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm. They were found either free in the cytoplasm or associated with plasma membranes against the walls. The structures were also observed within vacuoles and storage bodies. Since the structures are widely distributed in the cells and are greatly varied in form and in size, they may play different roles of physiological function according to their developmental stages and their localities. The relationship among the complex membranous structures is also discussed.