Fine Structural Analysis of the Cocoon Silk Production in the Garden Spider, Argiope aurantia

The principal fibers used in constructing the cocoon in the garden spider, Argiope aurantia, are large-diameter fibers developed from tubuliform glands and small-diameter fibers presumed to be spun by the aciniform silk glands. Scanning electron micrographs of the large-diameter fibers on both surfaces of the cocoon clearly reveal their fine structural differences. While the silk fibers on the inner surface have smooth and homogeneous appearances, each fiber on the outer surface represents a multicomponent internal structure. Examination of each fibers using transmission electron microscope also provides additional evidence that the multicomponent fibers contain numerous electron lucent fibrils embedded in an amorphous electron dense matrix. It has been also revealed that two types of secretory granules presumed to be the precursors of tubuliform fibers are closely related to the production of distinct coloration in luminal contents - brownish and yellowish components. Moreover, these electron-dense granules, possibly precursor of fibrillar component, and electron-lucent granules, possibly precursor of matrix component, are densely packed and remain close to each other without fusion. It is critical evidence that the individual tubuliform fiber is not only heterogeneous and multicomponent but also takes place in a variety at manners throughout the length of the gland.