Photomicrograph gallery of species of Reduviasporonites - Definition of terms

The origin of the forms described in these web pages is uncertain; they have been described as being of fungal origin (Wood and Elsik, 1999; Elsik, 1999; Visscher et al., 1996) and of possible algal origin (Krassilov et al., 1999). In view of this uncertainty a new terminology independent of mycology and phycology is adopted. The new terms suggested are given below (see also Figure 1). For details of the references quoted see the references page.

  • Cell: the main unit of chains; usually hollow and cylindrical, but may be Y-shaped, ovoid or spherical.
  • Terminal rim:
    • the darkened, slightly protuberant annular thickening usually present at the termini or opposite margins of the cell.
  • Terminal plane:
    • the usually circular or rectangular area enclosed by the terminal rim, which is perpendicular in orientation to the long axis of the cell.
  • Inner body:
    • the thin-walled body, internal to the cell, that normally mimics the overall shape of the cell but which may be of various shapes depending on the extent of its shrinkage.

Terminology
Figure 1 Terminology

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