Interactions between the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles during the cell cycle of Euglena gracilis in synchronized cultures. IV. An aggregate form of chloroplasts in association with the nucleus appearing prior to chloroplast division.

Cells of Euglena gracilis were synchronized by applying a 14-h light:10-h dark regimen under photoautotrophic conditions and a 10-h light:14-h dark regimen under photoorganotrophic conditions. At a stage just prior to chloroplast division in the cell cycle of these synchronized cultures, chloroplasts temporarily gathered in the posterior part of the cell and were connected to each other by many bridges. Part of the chloroplast aggregate surrounded about half of the nuclear surface, making connections or close contacts at many sites. A chromosome was always attached to the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope at the site of association with the chloroplast. The nucleoids in these aggregate chloroplasts, examined by staining with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, a DNA fluorochrome, showed profiles of strings or strands with branchings, under photoorganotrophic conditions at least, and some parts of the branchings came close to the site of association with the nucleus. The association between the chloroplast aggregate and the nucleus was also observed in Euglena cells placed in continuous darkness after synchronization under photoorganotrophic conditions, suggesting that these organellar associations are related to the Euglena cell cycle but are not the result of light:dark alternations used for cell synchronization.