Further Studies on the Junctional Complex in the Intestine of Sagitta Setosa. Freeze-fracture of the Pleated Septate Junction

The intramembrane structures of the pleated septate junction which occur in the junctional complex of the intestine of the chaetognath Sagitta setosa have been investigated. The pleated septate junction is made up of linear rows of irregularly shaped and sized particles, often fused into short rods, and pits which can be fused into furrows. The distribution of these structures on E and P faces depends upon the preparative methods used. Many of the morphological characteristics are the same as those of the "lower invertebrate pleated septate junction type" defined by Green (1981 a). The physiological significance of this junction is obscure. On the basis of the presence of septate junctions (both of the paired septate junction and pleated septate junction types) which have mainly morphological characteristics of the "lower invertebrate pleated septate junction" we can add to the hypothesis that chaetognaths are not related to the molluscs and arthropods.