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. 1976 May 1;69(2):507–513. doi: 10.1083/jcb.69.2.507

Topographical differences in the distribution of surface coat components and intramembrane particles. A cytochemical and freeze- fracture study in culture forms of Trypanosoma cruzi

PMCID: PMC2109674  PMID: 770483

Abstract

A regional specialization of the cell surface of T. cruzi culture forms was found at the cytostome as a localized thick surface coat rich in carbohydrate-containing components. The prominent surface coat was located over a region of the plasma membrane where intramembranous particles were exceedingly low in number. In turn, the particle-poor region was related to specialized submembrane fibrils not present under other regions of the plasma membrane. The cystostome region provides a striking example of a stable regional differentiation of the plasma membrane, involving the outer surface, the membrane interior, and the underlying cytoplasm. In addition, independence of Con A receptors, colloidal iron binding sites, and ruthenium red-stainable surface components from membrane particles was demonstrated at the flagellar membrane.

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Selected References

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