Summary
DNA-regions of the chloroplasts of the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans were investigated by using serial sections. Prior to post-osmication the glutaraldehyde-fixed cells were treated with trypsin which results in a selective presentation of DNA-structures.
For each of the two multilobed chloroplasts of the cell at least 80–100 individual DNA-regions could be calculated. Three-dimensional reconstructions of DNA-regions lead to models of usually flattened irregular discs which can differ markedly in size. It is concluded that the DNA-regions also differ in their DNA-content. Branched DNA-regions are regarded as possible division stages; they suggest a division into parts of different size.
In some of the DNA-regions the DNA-fibrils seem to be attached to tube- or tongue-like evaginations of thylakoid membranes. The evaginations differ from normal thylakoids in their limited extension, enlarged loculus and their clearly visible unit membrane. A possible functional resemblance to bacterial mesosomes is discussed.
Finally it is concluded that 1. the chloroplast of Prorocentrum is a polyenergidic organelle considering the number of DNA-regions, and that 2. the individual DNA-regions are polyploid to variable degrees with respect to their size.
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Kowallik, K.V., Haberkorn, G. The DNA-structures of the chloroplast of Prorocentrum micans (Dinophyceae) . Archiv. Mikrobiol. 80, 252–261 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410126
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410126