Lipid Accumulation during the Establishment of Kleptoplasty in Elysia chlorotica

The establishment of kleptoplasty (retention of "stolen plastids") in the digestive tissue of the sacoglossan Elysia chlorotica Gould was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Cellular processes occurring during the initial exposure to plastids were observed in laboratory raised animals ranging from 1-14 days post metamorphosis (dpm). These observations revealed an abundance of lipid droplets (LDs) correlating to plastid...