Lampbrush-type chromosomes in the primary nucleus of the green alga Acetabularia mediterranea

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Abstract
Structures with a lampbrush-chromosome-like morphology are described in the nucleoplasm of primary nuclei of the green alga, Acetabularia mediterranea, by light and electron microscopy in sections of cells fixed in situ and in spread preparations of isolated nuclear components. These chromosomes reveal typical loops (up to 20 μm long), chromomere-like nodules (1–2 μm in diameter), and 2–4 μm large axial globules. Associations of some of these chromosomes with nucleolar structures and with the nuclear envelope are also recognized. The light microscopically identified loops are correlated with distinct fibrillogranular structures observed in the thin sections and with the very long matrix units seen in the spreadpreparations. The similarity of these structures to the lampbrush chromosomes of various animal cell types, all exclusively stages of meiotic prophase, is discussed as well as the possible relation of the appearance of lampbrush chromosomes to a defined phase of the vegetative growth of this alga.

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