Crystallographic analysis of the coccolith ofCoccolithus huxleyi (original) (raw)
Abstract
Electron microscope observations show that the coccolith of_Coccolithus huxleyi_ is composed of radially arranged units, each consisting of an upper and lower element and a central wall. From the results of electron diffraction analysis the whole unit is considered to be a single crystal of calcite having the form of a hollow crystal. The c-axis is oriented parallel to the direction of elongation of the element. The top and bottom sufaces of the lower element, and the bottom surface of the upper element are probably (010) planes.
Résumé
Des études de microscopie électronique montrent que les coccolithes de_Coccolithus huxleyi_ sont constitués par des pièces disposées de façon radiaire; chaque élément comporte un segment supérieur et inférieur ainsi qu'une paroi centrale. La diffraction électronique montre que chaque pièce consiste en un monocristal de calcite ayant la forme d'un cristal creux. L'axe est paralléle à l'axe longitudinal de l'élément. Les surfaces du sommet et de la base de l'élément inférieur et la surface basale de l'élément supérieur sont constituées vraisemblablement par les plans (010).
Zusammenfassung
Elektronenmikroskopische Beobachtungen zeigen, daß der Kokkolith von_Coccolithus huxleyi_ aus radialstrahlig angeordneten Einheiten besteht mit je einem oberen und einem unteren Element, sowie einer Wand in der Mitte. Die Ergebnisse der Elektronenstrahlbeugung lassen jede Einheit als einen Kalkspat-Einkristall in Form eines Hohlkristalls erscheinen. Die c-Achse liegt parallel zur Verlängerung des Elements. Die obere und die Grundfläche des unteren Elements sowie die Grundfläche des oberen Elements sind wahrscheinlich (010) Ebenen.
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Authors and Affiliations
- Department of Zoology, Duke University, 27706, Durham, N. C., USA
N. Watabe
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Watabe, N. Crystallographic analysis of the coccolith of_Coccolithus huxleyi_.Calc. Tis Res. 1, 114–121 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02008081
- Received: 18 January 1967
- Issue date: December 1967
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02008081