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Morphological and Molecular Analysis Calls for a Reappraisal of the Red Rain Cells of Kerala
Early studies on the coloured particles that fell as red rain over southern India identified them as unicellular eukaryotes such as members of the red algae or fungi; however, the results of the present investigation are not consistent with this designation. Using transmission electron microscopy, w...
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| Format: | Printed Book |
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Curr Microbiol
2014
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| Online Access: | http://10.26.1.76/ks/005282.pdf |
| Summary: | Early studies on the coloured particles that fell as
red rain over southern India identified them as unicellular
eukaryotes such as members of the red algae or fungi;
however, the results of the present investigation are not
consistent with this designation. Using transmission electron
microscopy, we have demonstrated significant differences in
the ultrastructure when compared with representative spe-
cies from these other groups. Most notably, the red rain cells
show no evidence of typical eukaryotic internal structures
such as mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum. Further-
more, comparisons based on elemental composition using
energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, as well as Raman spectral
signatures demonstrate significant dissimilarities in their
molecular composition. The identity and origins of the red
rain cells remain an enigma; however, our findings are more
consistent with an unidentified prokaryote, and thus suggest
that previous attempts at their identification should be
reappraised. |
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| Physical Description: | p.192–198 68 |