The rotifer corona by SEM

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a powerful tool to observe any su rface at the ultrastructural level. During the last 15 years, I developed t echniques to process rotifer specimens for SEM observation, in order to obt ain images of preserved specimens that simulate their natural appearance. A characteristic feature in Rotifera is the rotatory apparatus (corona) and SEM is appropriate for studying its organization. The organization of the c orona is better understood if the rotatory apparatus can be examined after the cilia have been removed. A method to prepare the rotifers for observati on by SEM is presented.