Ultrastructure of cell division and reproductive differentiation of male plants in theFlorideophyceae (Rhodophyta). Mitosis inDasya baillouviana

Summary

Mitosis in the marine red algaDasya baillouviana (Ceramiales, Florideophyceae) was observed with the electron microscope. Most details of the process are quite similar to those observed in the other macroscopic red algae studied to date. However, some minor variations were noted. At late prophase a very small nuclear envelope protrusion (NEP) is formed at each division pole subjacent to the “nucleus associated organelle” known as the polar ring (PR) and 2–3 cisternae of perinuclear endoplasmic reticulum (PER) are commonly present during metaphase-anaphase. In contrast, in the other florideophycean algae where mitosis has been reported, a prominent NEP is present at late prophase (McDonald personal communication,Scott et al. 1980) and only a single cisterna of PER is observed. Additionally, during mid-late interphase and in mitotically-quiescent cells ofDasya, a single cisterna of smooth-surfaced ER is always juxtaposed with each PR. The possible significance of PER in theFlorideophyceae and other multinucleate organisms is discussed as well as the likely functions of spindle-associated smooth ER. It is suggested that ultrastructural features of mitosis should be useful as criteria to aid in the interpretation of the phylogeny of red algae.