Exoskeletons of Bougainvilliidae and other Hydroidolina (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) : structure and composition

Autor(es)

Mendoza-Becerril, Maria A. ; Marian, Jose Eduardo A. R. ; Migotto, Alvaro Esteves ; Marques, Antonio Carlos

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: PeerJ; v. 5, FEB 16 2017.
• Citações Web of Science: 4

Resumo

The exoskeleton is an important source of characters for the taxonomy of Hydroidolina. It originates as epidermal secretions and, among other functions, protects the coenosarc of the polypoid stage. However, comparative studies on the exoskeletal tissue origin, development, chemical, and structural characteristics, as well as its evolution and homology, are few and fragmented. This study compares the structure and composition of the exoskeleton and underlying coenosarc in members of ``Anthoathecata'' and some Leptothecata, but does so mainly in bougainvilliid polyps histological analyses. We also studied the development of the exoskeleton under experimental conditions. We identified three types of glandular epidermal cells related to the origin of the exoskeleton and the secretion of its polysaccharides component. The exoskeleton of the species studied is either bilayered (perisarc and exosarc, especially in bougainvilliids) or corneous (perisarc). The exoskeleton varies in chemical composition, structural rigidity, thickness, extension, and coverage in the different regions of the colony. In bilayered exoskeletons, the exosarc is produced first and appears to be a key step in the formation of the rigid exoskeleton. The exoskeleton contains anchoring structures such as desmocytes and ``perisarc extensions.'' (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 13/50484-4 - Biodiversity and distribution patterns of the Medusozoa form the South-Western Atlantic
• Beneficiário: Antonio Carlos Marques
• Linha de fomento: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
• Processo FAPESP: 11/50242-5 - Dimensões da vida marinha: padrões e processos de diversificação em cnidários planctônicos e bentônicos
• Beneficiário: Antonio Carlos Marques
• Linha de fomento: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Programa BIOTA - Temático