ULTRASTRUCTURE OF MITOSIS IN THE CHLOROMONADOPHYCEAN ALGA

During preprophase in the chloromonadophycean alga Vacuolaria virescens microtubules are present around the flagellar basal bodies and extend over the anterior surface of the nucleus. These microtubules assist in the separation of the flagella and later enter the nucleus through polar gaps. During prophase the nucleoli begin to disperse and the chromosomes become condensed. At metaphase the nucleus assumes an elliptical shape and an equatorial plate of chromosomes becomes aligned across the long axis of the nucleus; kinetochores are recogni-zable on some of the chromosomes. The nuclear envelope remains intact over most of the surface and in places it forms folds. During anaphase chromosomes are less distinct and vesicles are present in the elongating nucleus. Most of the new nuclear envelope around the progeny nuclei is formed by coalescence of these membrane vesicles during late anaphase and telophase, although some of the original nuclear envelope may also become incorporated. During telophase disintegration of the original nuclear envelope becomes pronounced and portions of this structure are recognizable in the cytoplasm after completion of mitosis. It is suggested that this unusual type of nuclear envelope behaviour may be important in ensuring the segregation of the Golgi apparatus and contractile vacuole to progeny cells