Cell and nucleomorph division in the alga Cryptomonas

Abstract

An ultrastructural investigation of cell and nuclear division in Cryptomonas sp. (θ) was made with particular emphasis on the mode of division of the chloroplast and nucleomorph. Mitosis is similar to that in other cryptomonads except that the nuclear envelope remains mostly intact. Division of the single chloroplast occurs in preprophase by constriction through the dorsal bridge. Frequently there is a lag between the division of the chloroplast and the division of its envelope of chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, the inner membrane of the chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum may infold well in advance of the outer membrane.The nucleomorph is a unique double membrane limited organelle which is found in the periplastidal compartment of cryptomonads. It divides in preprophase following basal body replication but before division of the chloroplast and its chloroplast endoplasmic reticulum is complete. The inner membrane of the nucleomorph envelope invaginates first forming a double membraned baffle. The outer membrane invaginates next and completes division. Microtubules are not involved in nucleomorph division. None were observed and colchicine, which inhibited nuclear division, did not inhibit nucleomorph division. The theory that the nucleomorph is the residual nucleus of a former eukaryotic endosymbiont is reevaluated in light of these new observations.