Orthogonal arrays of intramembranous particles in the basal plasma membranes of the epidermis of larval Salamandra salamandra (L.) (Amphibia, Urodela)

Abstract

Freeze-fracture replicas of the basal plasma membranes in the epidermis of intrauterine larval Salamandra salamandra reveal numerous orthogonal arrays of membrane-associated particles on the P-fracture face. The arrays, whose function is unknown, comprise 10 to 200 particles with a diameter of 7 nm each; the number of arrays varies from 0 to 3/μm2. Extrauterine, aquatic larvae do not exhibit these membrane specializations. © 1980, Academic Press, Inc.. All rights reserved.