ULTRASTRUCTURE OF CHROOMONAS-MESOSTIGMATICA BUTCHER (CRYPTOPHYCEAE)

The detailed fine structure of a pigmented marine member of the Cryptophyceae is reported for the first time. The flagella are similar to those of other cryptomonads which have been studied but the root system is probably less complicated. The ejectosomes (trichocysts) have the typical structure but are present in fewer numbers than in many other members of the class. The chloroplasts contain numerous lamellae each composed of two rather dense thylakoids. A single large pyrenoid is attached to a chloroplast and on a short spur beyond this is the centrally placed eyespot. The chloroplasts, pyrenoid and eyespot are all enclosed by an endoplasmic reticulum sheath and starch grains are laid down between this sheath and the chloroplasts. The interphase nucleus is irregular in shape but has the typical eucaryotic appearance. At the anterior end of the cell are numerous coated vesicles which may have an excretory function. The fine structure of Chroomonas is discussed in relation to the ultrastructure of other algae. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.