Novel structures associated with presumed photoreceptors in the aboral sense organ of ctenophores

Abstract

It is rare nowadays to find something that nobody has seen before, especially without using a new methodology or looking in a new place. Using conventional differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, I describe structures, heretofore not reported, in the well-studied aboral sensory complex, or apical organ, of ctenophores. Remarkably, the novel structures are placed symmetrically next to bodies believed to be photoreceptors. The nature and function of the new structures remain to be investigated.