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| ADHESION PAD
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A type of extracellular matrix which spreads at the cell or spore substrate interface, binding the two surfaces together. “Adhesion pad”, “adhesion plaque”, “mucous pad” and “spore tip mucilage” are used as synonyms. The polarized distribution of this material distinguishes it from an extracellular matrix or sheath . Among oomycetes it attaches encysting zoospores to a host or substrate; among pennate diatoms it denotes distinct, localized regions of polysaccharide adhering cells together into colonies; among pedinellid flagellates (such as Apedinella) it is a surface associated structure that spine-scales attach to. Adhesion pads may have diverse origins including: (1) discharge from pre-existing organelles such as K-bodies as oomycete zoospores are induced to encyst and (2) selective secretion of polysaccharide from localized pores on the frustule surface of diatoms. Adhesion pads of diatoms are a specialized part of the non-silicified, organic casing and maintain connections between daughter cells following division. The exact position of these pads determines the overall morphology of the colony. An adhesion disc made of denticles (ring) immediately beneath the pellicle occurs in the ciliate Trichodina. See also, Adhesions, Holdfast adhesion, Plaque, Stalk. [Link to this definition]
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