The effect of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea on chloroplast development and maintenance in Euglena gracilis. I. Ultrastructural characterization of light-grown cells by the techniques of thin sectioning and freeze-etching.

The ultrastructure of light-grown Euglena gracilis var. bacillaris was examined by the techniques of thin sectioning and freeze-etching. Thin sectioning revealed the typical organelles previously observed in chemically fixed Euglena. In addition to confirming the observations on thin sections, the freeze-etch technique has revealed the presence in E. gracilis of a complex multilaminar pellicle, and an ordered arrangement to the paramylon granule. The chloroplast thylakoids are particulate and similar to those observed in higher plants.