Comparative ultrastructure and physiology of chromatophores, with emphasis on changes associated with intracellular transport

Abstract

Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanism of intracellular transport in unicellular chromatophores are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the possible role(s) of the three major cytoskeletal components microtubules, intermediate filaments, and actin filaments. A comparative analysis of different chromatophore types suggests that these cytoskeletal fiber systems may play different roles, or at least seem to be involved to a varying degree, in intracellular pigment translocation. Ultrastructure, transport characteristics, and responses to pharmacological agents of a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate chromatophores do show sufficient variation to make one consider the possibility that the underlying mechanisms also vary to some extent. It is hoped that the increased use of new methodological approaches, including microinjection of single cells and the development of reactivatable cell models, will greatly aid us in our exploration of the physical-chemical basis of chromatophore motility. © 1983 by the American Society of Zoologists.