THE STRUCTURE OF A SIMPLE Z LINE

The structural simplicity of the Z line in fish muscle fibers allows direct visualization of its basic geometry. Models which postulate termination of the I filaments at the edges of the Z line and the direct linkage of I filaments belonging to the two adjacent sarcomeres by Z filaments crossing the whole width of the Z line give the best fit to the electron micrographs. The structure of fish Z lines is not significantly altered by the use of different fixation procedures and by changes in sarcomere length.