Figure 8

Schematic overview of nutrient input and ultrastructural features involved in the autotrophy and heterotrophy of Stylophora pistillata. Influx of carbon (left cell) and nitrogen (right cell) into symbiont, host lipid bodies, gastrodermal, and epidermal cell, originating from symbiont photoautotrophy (A; seawater bicarbonate and nitrate) or host heterotrophy (B; zooplanktonic prey) after 6 h. Colour tone contrasts the relative influx from both modes of nutrition for C (blue) and N (green), respectively. Subcellular structures involved in storage and processing of nutrients are highlighted (see text for details). OE, oral epidermis; MG, mesoglea; OG, oral gastrodermis; GC, gastrovascular canal.