Fig. 3. Confocal images of the oothecal pore-field area. These images were generated by optically scanning through a ventro—lateral oothecal section of the pore-field area (Fig. 2D-I). Prior to viewing, 1 µl of fluorescein dye (5 mg ml^-1) was applied to the tissue preparation to show fluorescent contrast on the oothecal surfaces, enabling visualization of the pores (as represented by the black holes) through the oothecal matrix. These images were gathered at 0.26 µm intervals from the exterior to the interior surfaces of the oothecal covering. (A-L) The optical sections taken, beginning below the surface (A), through the matrix, to the field above the inside surface (L). Scale bars, 5 µm. (M-Q) Selected images obtained from projection of the confocal stack, which show the three-dimensional aspect of the covering. Scale bars, 2 µm.

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