Maturational stages of melanosomes. (magn. ±100.000x)
Fig.1a. Premelanosome stage I, characterized by its spherical form. It contains dense spots
and occasionally filaments (arrow).
Fig.1b. Premelanosome stage II. This is an elipsoidal organelle containing filaments,
clearly exhibiting a periocity perpendicular to the long axis of the organelle.
Fig.1c. At stage III the matrix is partly melanized.
Fig.1d. Melanization is completed at stage IV.
more photographs
©Inte Onsman
MUTAVI Research & Advice Group