Electron-Microscopic Structure of Protozoa

ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC STRUCTURE OF PROTOZOA. By Dorothy R. Pitelka. New York, The Macmillan Co., 1963. x, 269 pp. $12.50. This volume is the most recent appearance in the Zoology Division of the International Series of Monographs on Pure and Applied Biology. It is a review of the literature on the fine structure of protozoa published through June, 1961. A review of such a diversity of animals in a rapidly developing field presents enormous difficulties to the author but is all the more necessary to the increasing number of investigators entering the field. In this case, Dorothy R. Pitelka has overcome these difficulties and produced an interesting and useful book. Following a brief introduction, the cytology of the protozoan cell is considered. Descriptions of the morphological properties and organelles common to most protozoa are presented in some detail. The remainder of the book covers the fine structure of individual protozoa thus far studied according to the taxonomic scheme of Pierre Grasse (Traite de Zoologie, Paris, Masson, 1952-'53). A few features of the book deserve special mention. The author is not content with purely morphological descriptions, but endeavors to correlate structure with function. Particularly interesting discussions are included on pinocytosis, amoeboid movement, and the action of flagella. In addition, fine structure is discussed in relation to light microscopy and to biochemistry. Finally, additional morphological knowledge which contributes to our understanding of taxonomy and evolution is included. While many of the illustrations are superb, some are not of as high quality. In addition, while reading some particularly interesting observation the reader finds himself looking for micrographs which are not present. These deficiencies are compensated for to a large extent by a number of well-done and well-chosen schematic drawings and diagrams, each of which is worth many pictures. In summary, this excellent book should be of considerable use to protozoologists and cell biologists who require a concise review of the subcellular structure and function of the protozoan cell. THOMAS L. LENTZ