Studies on the fine structure of Glaucocystis nostochinearum Itzigs. II. Membrane morphology and taxonomy

Abstract

The fine structure of the alga Glaucocystis nostochinearum Itzigs. has been studied by thinsectioning and freeze-etching. Many of the features already established by sectioning have been verified but different conclusions are drawn, particularly with regard to the photosynthetic organs. The action of glycerol solutions on the morphology of the plasmalemma as revealed by freeze-etching is shown to be of general importance for the freeze-etching of plant cells and of particular importance in elucidating the true form of the plasmalemma in Glaucocystis. The literature regarding the taxonomic position of Glaucocystis has been reviewed, and, along with a completely new demonstration of plasmalemma structure, an attempt has been made to reclassify this organism.