AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY OF THE GIANT GREEN ALGAL COENOCYTE, CAULERPA PROLIFERA.

The general fine structure of the giant coenocyte Caulerpa prolifera (Forsskål) Lamouroux is presented. The cytoplasm forms a parietal layer throughout the plant without any regular membranous separations within organs or between organs. The vacuome is similar in structure. There are distinct patterns of organelle distribution in the highly polar cytoplasm of rhizoids and blades. The organelles are compared to those of other members of the division Chlorophyta and are typical. Amyloplast structure is compared to that of chloroplasts. A possible developmental sequence from chloroplast buds through an unusual circular body is suggested.