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Fig. 2 | Frontiers in Zoology

Fig. 2

From: Insights into the structure and morphogenesis of the giant basal spicule of the glass sponge Monorhaphis chuni

Fig. 2

Morphological features of a small (young) Monorhaphis spicule as seen with SEM (a–d, f–k) and reflected light (e). a, b Apex of the spicule; step-like faces of the plain glassy layer (PG) lamellae are facing toward apex. c, h Central portion of the spicule; step-like faces of PG lamellae directed in opposite directions are arrowed; details of the same fragment (h). d–f Lower tip of the spicule showing step-like faces of PG lamellae directed toward the tip; details of the same spicule lower tip shape (f). g Step-like surfaces of the superimposed layers are facing upward and are mostly conforming in shape. i Details of superimposed layers with step-like face that conform in shape. j Regular layering (lamellae) of PG in longitudinal broken section. k Broken transverse section near the spicule upper tip showing axial cylinder (AC) and surrounding lamellae of PG

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Frontiers in Zoology

ISSN: 1742-9994