Scanning electron microscopy of Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa

The development of Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa var. flexuosa was followed from the motile stages through sporophore formation by scanning electron microscopy. Sporophore maturation was also depicted for C. fruticulosa var. porioides. Swarm cells were found to be uniflagellate when first formed, with a second flagellum evident within 4 h. Fructifications at the prespore stage in var. flexuosa consisted of several layers of prespore cells underlaid by a fibrous network. Spore elevation in both varieties appeared- subhypothallic. Granules were found at the base of the individual stalked spores. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated the presence of calcium in the granules.