Origin of the mitotic spindle in onion root cells

Summary Immunofluorescence studies on microtubule arrangement during the transition from prophase to metaphase in onion root cells are presented. The prophase spindle observed at late preprophase and prophase is composed of microtubules converged at two poles near the nuclear envelope; thin bundles of microtubules are tracable along the nuclear envelope. Prior to nuclear envelope breakdown diffuse tubulin staining occurs within the prophase nuclei. During nuclear envelope breakdown the prophase spindle is no longer identifiable and prominent tubulin staining occurs among the prometaphase chromosomes. Patches of condensed tubulin staining are observed in the vicinity of kinetochores. At advanced prometaphase kinetochore bundles of microtubules are present in some kinetochore regions. At metaphase the mitotic spindle is mainly composed of kinetochore bundles of microtubules; pole-to-pole bundles are scarce. Our observations suggest that the prophase spindle is decomposed at the time of nuclear envelope breakdown and that the metaphase spindle is assembled at prometaphase, with the help of kinetochore nucleating action.     

Ultrastructure of mitosis inAmoeba proteus

Summary The fine structure ofAmoeba proteus nuclei has been studied during interphase and mitosis. The interphase nucleus is discoidal, the nuclear envelope is provided with a honeycomb layer on the inside. There are numerous nucleoli at the periphery and many chromatin filaments and nuclear helices in the central part of nucleus.In prophase the nucleus becomes spherical, the numerous chromosomes are condensed, and the number of nucleoli decreases. The mitotic apparatus forms inside the nucleus in form of an acentric spindle. In metaphase the nuclear envelope loses its pore complexes and transforms into a system of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae (ERC) which separates the mitotic apparatus from the surrounding cytoplasm; the nucleoli and the honeycomb layer disappear completely. In anaphase the half-spindles become conical, and the system of ERC around the mitotic spindle persists. Electron dense material (possibly microtubule organizing centers—MTOCs) appears at the spindle pole regions during this stage. The spindle includes kinetochore microtubules attached to the chromosomes, and non-kinetochore ones which pierce the anaphase plate. In telophase the spindle disappears, the chromosomes decondense, and the nuclear envelope becomes reconstructed from the ERC. At this stage, nucleoli can already be revealed with the light microscope by silver staining; they are visible in ultrathin sections as numerous electron dense bodies at the periphery of the nucleus.The mitotic chromosomes consist of 10 nm fibers and have threelayered kinetochores. Single nuclear helices still occur at early stages of mitosis in the spindle region.     

Ultrastructure of Mitosis and Cytokinesis In the Colorless Flagellate Katablepharis Ovalis Skuja

ABSTRACT. Mitosis and cytokinesis in Katablepharis ovalis , a colorless flagellate, was investigated. Two new flagella are produced prior to prophase, resulting in a motile quadriflagellate cell during mitosis. the inner array of microtubules of the feeding apparatus disappears before prophase begins. the nuclear envelope disperses during prophase, apparently being converted into rough endoplasmic reticulum. the chromatin condenses and the nucleolus disperses with spindle microtubules appearing oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cell. At metaphase, the chromatin is condensed as a single disc-shaped mass and rough endoplasmic reticulum flanks the chromatin mass on each side. Groups of spindle microtubules pass through tunnels in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and through electron-translucent areas of the chromatin. the spindle microtubules end at a number of minipoles in the cytoplasm. Vesicles, ribosomes, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum migrate among the spindle microtubules. There is no polar body or any electrondense area associated with the spindle poles. the basal bodies of the flagella remain attached to the axonemes and do not participate in mitosis. In anaphase, the chromatin separates and migrates to the poles. During telophase, the nuclear envelope reforms from the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleoli reappear. the spindle microtubules are persistent during telophase. Cytokinesis occurs by longitudinal fission, starting at the anterior end and progressing posteriorly. Cytokinesis may be driven by elongation of the spindle microtubules since there is no visible structure associated with the furrowing.     

Ultrastructural Features of Mitosis in Anisonema sp. (Euglenida)1

The fine structure of stages in mitosis in a colorless euglenoid, Anisonema sp., reveals that chromosomes remain condensed throughout the life cycle and are attached to the nuclear envelope at interphase. The onset of mitosis is marked by the anterior migration of the nucleus towards the base of the reservoir and by elongation of the nucleolus. The nuclear envelope persists throughout mitosis. Microtubules are generated in the peripheral nucleoplasm adjacent to the envelope and attach to the chromosomes while they are still associated with the envelope. The region of microtubular contact develops into a distinct layered kinetochore as the developing spindle with attached chromosomes separates from the nuclear envelope and moves into the nucleoplasm. The mature spindle consists of a number of subspindles each containing about 8–10 microtubules and a few associated chromosomes. Both chromosomal and non-chromosomal microtubules are present in each subspindle and extend towards the envelope terminating at or near the nuclear pores. Chromosomal segregation is concomitant with nuclear elongation. By late division, an interzonal spindle develops in the dumbbell-shaped nucleus and nucleolar separation occurs. Continued invagination of the nuclear envelope in the region of the interzonal spindle eventually separates the daughter nuclei. A remnant of the interzonal spindle persists in the cytoplasm until cytokinesis.     

Cyclin G-associated kinase promotes microtubule outgrowth from chromosomes during spindle assembly

During mitosis, all chromosomes must attach to microtubules of the mitotic spindle to ensure correct chromosome segregation. Microtubule attachment occurs at specialized structures at the centromeric region of chromosomes, called kinetochores. These kinetochores can generate microtubule attachments through capture of centrosome-derived microtubules, but in addition, they can generate microtubules themselves, which are subsequently integrated with centrosome-derived microtubules to form the mitotic spindle. Here, we have performed a large scale RNAi screen and identify cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) as a novel regulator of microtubule generation at kinetochores/chromatin. This function of GAK requires its C-terminal J-domain, which is essential for clathrin recycling from endocytic vesicles. Consistently, cells lacking GAK show strongly reduced levels of clathrin on the mitotic spindle, and reduction of clathrin levels also inhibits microtubule generation at kinetochores/chromosomes. Finally, we present evidence that association of clathrin with the spindle is promoted by a signal coming from the chromosomes. These results identify a role for GAK and clathrin in microtubule outgrowth from kinetochores/chromosomes and suggest that GAK acts through clathrin to control microtubule outgrowth around chromosomes.     

Organisation of the cytoskeleton during in vitro maturation of horse oocytes

Meiotic maturation of mammalian oocytes is a complex process during which microfilaments and microtubules provide the framework for chromosomal reorganisation and cell division. The aim of this study was to use fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine changes in the distribution of these important cytoskeletal elements and their relationship to chromatin configuration during the maturation of horse oocytes in vitro. Oocytes were cultured in M199 supplemented with pFSH and eLH and, at 0, 12, 24, and 36 hr after the onset of culture, they were fixed for immunocytochemistry and stained with markers for microtubules (a monoclonal anti-alpha-tubulin antibody), microfilaments (AlexaFluor 488 Phalloidin) and DNA (TO-PRO(3)). At the germinal vesicle stage, oocyte chromatin was amorphous and poorly condensed and the microfilaments and microtubules were distributed relatively evenly throughout the ooplasm. After germinal vesicle breakdown, the microtubules were aggregated around the now condensed chromosomes and the microfilaments had become concentrated within the oocyte cortex. During metaphase I, microtubules were detected only in the meiotic spindle, as elongated asters encompassing the aligned chromosomes, and, as maturation progressed through anaphase-I and telophase-I, the spindle assumed a more eccentric position and gradually rotated to assist in the separation of the homologous chromosomes and in the subsequent formation of the first polar body. During metaphase II, the meiotic spindle was a symmetrical, barrel-shaped structure with two poles and with the chromosomes aligned along its midline. At this stage, microtubules were found intermingled with chromatin within the polar body and, although, the bulk of the microfilaments remained within the oocyte cortex, a rich domain was found overlying the spindle. Thus, during the in vitro maturation of horse oocytes both the microfilament and microtubular elements of the cytoskeleton were seen to reorganise dramatically in a fashion that appeared to enable chromosomal alignment and segregation.     

THE FINE STRUCTURE OF MITOSIS AND CELL DIVISION IN THE CHRYSOPHYCEAN ALGA OCHROMONAS DANICA1

At the ultrastructural level, cell division in Ochromonas danica exhibits several unusual features. During interphase, the basal bodies of the 2 flagella replicate and the chloroplast divides by constriction between its 2 lobes. The rhizoplast, which is a fibrous striated root attached to the basal body of the long flagellum, extends under the Golgi body to the surface of the nucleus in interphase cells. During proprophase, the Golgi body replicates, apparently by division, and a daughter rhizoplast, appears. During prophase, the 2 pairs of flagellar basal bodies, each with their accompanying rhizoplast and Golgi body, begin to separate. Three or 4 flagella are already present at this stage. At the same time, there is a proliferation of microtubules outside the nuclear envelope. Gaps then appear in the nuclear envelope, admitting the microtubules into the nucleus, where they form a spindle. A unique feature of mitosis in O. danica is that the 2 rhizoplasts form the poles of the spindle, spindle microtubules inserting directly onto the rhizoplasts. Some of the spindle microtubules extend from pole to pole; others appear to attach to the chromosomes. Kinetochores, however, are not present. The nuclear envelope breaks down, except, in the regions adjacent, to the chloroplasts; chloroplast ER remains intact throughout mitosis. At late anaphase the chromosomes come to lie against part of the chloroplast ER. This segment of the chloroplast ER appears to be incorporated as part of the reforming nuclear envelope, thus reestablishing the characteristic nuclear envelope—chloroplast ER association of the interphase cell.     

Open spindle nuclear division in the amoebal phase of the acellular slime moldEchinostelium minutum with chromosomal movement related to the pronounced rearrangement of spindle microtubules

Summary Myxamoebae ofEchinostelium minutum exhibit extranuclear (open spindle) mitosis with centrioles present at the poles. Spindle microtubules are formed in association with a juxtanuclear MTOC which surrounds the cell's complement of centrioles. During late prophase or prometaphase the nuclear envelope breaks down and subsequently a metaphase plate is formed. Two anaphasic movements occur sequentially: firstly, the distance of the chromosomes to the poles shortens; secondly the distance between the spindle poles increases. The arrangement of spindle microtubules during anaphase is consistent with the hypothesis that chromosomal separation is due to lateral interaction (zippering) of microtubules. During telophase, reconstitution of the nuclear envelope usually takes place in the interzonal region prior to reformation in the polar region. Cytokinesis, which begins in anaphase or early telophase involves the participation of vesicles, microfilaments and microtubules.Based on the doctoral dissertation of the first author presented to the Department of Botany, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A.     

Mad2-independent spindle assembly checkpoint activation and controlled metaphase-anaphase transition in Drosophila S2 cells

The spindle assembly checkpoint is essential to maintain genomic stability during cell division. We analyzed the role of the putative Drosophila Mad2 homologue in the spindle assembly checkpoint and mitotic progression. Depletion of Mad2 by RNAi from S2 cells shows that it is essential to prevent mitotic exit after spindle damage, demonstrating its conserved role. Mad2-depleted cells also show accelerated transit through prometaphase and premature sister chromatid separation, fail to form metaphases, and exit mitosis soon after nuclear envelope breakdown with extensive chromatin bridges that result in severe aneuploidy. Interestingly, preventing Mad2-depleted cells from exiting mitosis by a checkpoint-independent arrest allows congression of normally condensed chromosomes. More importantly, a transient mitotic arrest is sufficient for Mad2-depleted cells to exit mitosis with normal patterns of chromosome segregation, suggesting that all the associated phenotypes result from a highly accelerated exit from mitosis. Surprisingly, if Mad2-depleted cells are blocked transiently in mitosis and then released into a media containing a microtubule poison, they arrest with high levels of kinetochore-associated BubR1, properly localized cohesin complex and fail to exit mitosis revealing normal spindle assembly checkpoint activity. This behavior is specific for Mad2 because BubR1-depleted cells fail to arrest in mitosis under these experimental conditions. Taken together our results strongly suggest that Mad2 is exclusively required to delay progression through early stages of prometaphase so that cells have time to fully engage the spindle assembly checkpoint, allowing a controlled metaphase-anaphase transition and normal patterns of chromosome segregation.     

Endoplasmic reticulum targeted GFP reveals ER organization in tobacco NT-1 cells during cell division.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of plant cells undergoes a drastic reorganization during cell division. In tobacco NT-1 cells that stably express a GFP construct targeted to the ER, we have mapped the reorganization of ER that occurs during mitosis and cytokinesis with confocal laser scanning microscopy. During division, the ER and nuclear envelope do not vesiculate. Instead, tubules of ER accumulate around the chromosomes after the nuclear envelope breaks down, with these tubules aligning parallel to the microtubules of the mitotic spindle. In cytokinesis, the phragmoplast is particularly rich in ER, and the transnuclear channels and invaginations present in many interphase cells appear to develop from ER tubules trapped in the developing phragmoplast. Drug studies, using oryzalin and latrunculin to disrupt the microtubules and actin microfilaments, respectively, demonstrate that during division, the arrangement of ER is controlled by microtubules and not by actin, which is the reverse of the situation in interphase cells.     

Unusual pattern of mitosis in the free-living flagellateDimastigella mimosa (Kinetoplastida)

Summary The three-dimensional ultrastructural organization of the mitotic apparatus ofDimastigella mimosa was studied by computer-aided, serial-section reconstruction. The nuclear envelope remains intact during nuclear division. During mitosis, chromosomes do not condense, whereas intranuclear microtubules are found in close association with six pairs of kinetochores. No discrete microtubule-organizing centers, except kinetochore pairs, could be found within the nucleus. The intranuclear microtubules form six separate bundles oriented at different angles to each other. Each bundle contains up to 8 tightly packed microtubules which push the daughter kinetochores apart. At late anaphase only, midzones of these bundles align along an extended interzonal spindle within the narrow isthmus between segregating progeny nuclei. The nuclear division inD. mimosa can be described as closed intranuclear mitosis with acentric and separate microtubular bundles and weakly condensed chromosomes.Abbreviation MTOC microtubule-organizing center     

Building a nuclear envelope at the end of mitosis: coordinating membrane reorganization, nuclear pore complex assembly, and chromatin de-condensation

The metazoan nucleus is disassembled and re-built at every mitotic cell division. The nuclear envelope, including nuclear pore complexes, breaks down at the beginning of mitosis to accommodate the capture of massively condensed chromosomes by the spindle apparatus. At the end of mitosis, a nuclear envelope is newly formed around each set of segregating and de-condensing chromatin. We review the current understanding of the membrane restructuring events involved in the formation of the nuclear membrane sheets of the envelope, the mechanisms governing nuclear pore complex assembly and integration in the nascent nuclear membranes, and the regulated coordination of these events with chromatin de-condensation.     

Nuclear envelope dynamics.

The nuclear envelope (NE) provides a semi permeable barrier between the nucleus and cytoplasm and plays a central role in the regulation of macromolecular trafficking between these two compartments. In addition to this transport function, the NE is a key determinant of interphase nuclear architecture. Defects in NE proteins such as A-type lamins and the inner nuclear membrane protein, emerin, result in several human diseases that include cardiac and skeletal myopathies as well as lipodystrophy. Certain disease-linked A-type lamin defects cause profound changes in nuclear organization such as loss of peripheral heterochromatin and redistribution of other nuclear envelope components. While clearly essential in maintenance of nuclear integrity, the NE is a highly dynamic organelle. In interphase it is constantly remodeled to accommodate nuclear growth. During mitosis it must be completely dispersed so that the condensed chromosomes may gain access to the mitotic spindle. Upon completion of mitosis, dispersed NE components are reutilized in the assembly of nuclei within each daughter cell. These complex NE rearrangements are under precise temporal and spatial control and involve interactions with microtubules, chromatin, and a variety of cell-cycle regulatory molecules.     

MITOSIS IN THE AQUATIC FUNGUS RHIZOPHYDIUM SPHEROTHECA (CHYTRIDIALES)

The structure of centric, intranuclear mitosis and of organelles associated with nuclei are described in developing zoosporangia of the chytrid Rhizophydium spherotheca. Frequently dictyosomes partially encompass the sides of diplosomes (paired centrioles). A single, incomplete layer of endoplasmic reticulum with tubular connections to the nuclear envelope is found around dividing nuclei. The nuclear envelope remains intact during mitosis except for polar fenestrae which appear during spindle incursion. During prophase, when diplosomes first define the nuclear poles, secondary centrioles occur adjacent and at right angles to the sides of primary centrioles. By late metaphase the centrioles in a diplosome are positioned at a 40° angle to each other and are joined by an electron-dense band; by telophase the centrioles lie almost parallel to each other. Astral microtubules radiate into the cytoplasm from centrioles during interphase, but by metaphase few cytoplasmic microtubules are found. Cytoplasmic microtubules increase during late anaphase and telophase as spindle microtubules gradually disappear. The mitotic spindle, which contains chromosomal and interzonal microtubules, converges at the base of the primary centriole. Throughout mitosis the semipersistent nucleolus is adjacent to the nuclear envelope and remains in the interzonal region of the nucleus as chromosomes separate and the nucleus elongates. During telophase the nuclear envelope constricts around the chromosomal mass, and the daughter nuclei separate from each end of the interzonal region of the nucleus. The envelope of the interzonal region is relatively intact and encircles the nucleolus, but later the membranes of the interzonal region scatter and the nucleolus disperses. The structure of the mitotic apparatus is similar to that of the chytrid Phlyctochytrium irregulare.     

Microtubule and microfilament dynamics in porcine oocytes during meiotic maturation

Microtubule and microfilament organization in porcine oocytes during maturation in vivo and in vitro was imaged by immunocytochemistry and laser scanning confocal microscopy. At the germinal vesicle stage, microtubules were not detected in the oocyte. After germinal vesicle breakdown, a small microtubule aster was observed near the condensed chromatin. During the prometaphase stage, microtubule asters were found in association with each chromatin mass. The asters then elongated and encompassed the chromatin at the metaphase-I stage. At anaphase-I and telophase-I microtubules were detected in the meiotic spindle. Microtubules were observed only in the second meiotic spindle at the metaphase-II stage. The meiotic spindle was a symmetric, barrel-shaped structure containing anastral broad poles, located peripherally and radially oriented. Taxol, a microtubule-stabilizing agent, did not induce microtubules in oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage. After germinal vesicle breakdown, numerous cytoplasmic foci of microtubules were formed in the entire oocyte when oocytes were incubated in the presence of taxol. Microfilaments were observed as a relatively thick uniform area around the cell cortex and were also found throughout the cytoplasm of oocytes at the germinal vesicle stage. After germinal vesicle breakdown, the microfilaments were concentrated close to the female chromatin. During prometaphase, microfilaments were chromatin moved to the peripheral position. At metaphase-I, two domains, a thick and a thin microfilament area, existed in the egg cortex. Chromosomes were located in the thick microfilament domain of the cortex. In summary, these results suggest that both micro-tubules and microfilaments are closely involved with chromosomal dynamics after germinal vesicle breakdown and during meiotic maturation in porcine oocytes. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Mitosis in the cellular slime mold Polysphondylium violaceum

Myxamebas of Polysphondylium violaceum were grown in liquid medium and processed for electron microscopy. Mitosis is characterized by a persistent nuclear envelope, ring-shaped extranuclear spindle pole bodies (SPBs), a central spindle spatially separated from the chromosomal microtubules, well-differentiated kinetochores, and dispersion of the nucleoli. SPBs originate from the division, during prophase, of an electron-opaque body associated with the interphase nucleus. The nuclear nevelope becomes fenestrated in their vicinity, allowing the build-up of the intranuclear, central spindle and chromosomal microtubules as the SPBs migrate to opposite poles. At metaphase the chromosomes are in amphitelic orientation, each sister chromatid being directly connected to the corresponding SPB by a single microtubule. During ana- and telophase the central spindle elongates, the daughter chromosomes approach the SPBs, and the nucleus constricts in the equatorial region. The cytoplasm cleaves by furrowing in late telophase, which is in other respects characterized by a re- establishment of the interphase condition. Spindle elongation and poleward movement of chromosomes are discussed in relation to hypotheses of the mechanism of mitosis.     

MITOSIS IN THE FUNGUS THRAUSTOTHECA CLAVATA

The ultrastructure of mitosis is described in Thraustotheca clavata, an oömycete fungus. An intranuclear spindle develops between differentiated regions of the nuclear envelope which move apart, each associated with 180° oriented centriole pairs. The spindle contains low numbers of continuous and interdigitating microtubules in addition to chromosomal microtubules. Each kinetochore is attached to only one microtubule. Serial section analysis shows that at meiosis there are probably 12 chromosomes in the diploid nucleus, yet at mitosis the methods utilized in the present study suggest that there may be less than 12 kinetochores connected to each pole. At mitosis many of the kinetochores within a given spindle are not arranged in opposite pairs. The behavior of the spindle microtubules during mitosis is comparable to that of higher organisms but the rarity of short intertubular distances appears to preclude significant force generation by means of intertubular bridge mechanisms. Evidence is presented for a nuclear envelope-microtubule interaction which is capable of generating shear forces during both mitosis and interphase nuclear movements.     

Mitosis in the Hemoflagellate Trypanosoma cyclops*

SYNOPSIS. The ultrastructure of interphase and mitotic nuclei of the epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cyclops Weinman is described. In the interphase nucleus the nucleolus is located centrally while at the periphery of the nucleus condensed chromatin is in contact with the nuclear envelope. The nucleolus fragments at the onset of mitosis, but granular material of presumptive nucleolar origin is often recognizable in the mitotic nucleus. Peripheral chromatin is in contact with the nuclear envelope throughout mitosis, and it seems reasonable to assume that the nuclear envelope is involved in its segregation to the daughter nuclei. Spindle microtubules extend between the poles of the dividing nucleus and terminate close to the nuclear envelope. The basal body and kinetoplast divide before the onset of mitosis and do not appear to have any morphologic involvement in that process. Spindle pole bodies, kinetochores, and chromosomal microtubules have not been observed.     

The ultrastructure of mitosis inIsochrysis galbana parke (Prymnesiophyceae)

Summary Mitosis and cytokinesis have been studied in the flagellate algaIsochrysis galbana Parke (Prymnesiophyceae). Nuclear division is preceded by replication of the flagella and haptonema, the Golgi body and the chloroplast; fission in the chloroplast occurs in the region of the pyrenoid. During prophase, spindle microtubules radiating from two ill-defined poles are formed. The nuclear envelope breaks down and the chromatin condenses. At metaphase the spindle is fully developed, some pole-to-pole microtubules passing through the well-defined chromatin plate, others terminating at it. No kinetochores or individual chromosomes were observed. By late metaphase, many Golgi-derived vesicles may be seen against the two poleward faces of the metaphase plate. During anaphase, the two daughter masses of chromatin move towards the poles. In early telophase, the nuclear envelope of each daughter nucleus is complete only on the side towards the adjacent chloroplast, remaining open on the interzonal side. However, during telophase each nucleus becomes reorientated so that it lies lateral to the long axis of the spindle and with its open side towards the chloroplasts. By late telophase, each new nuclear envelope is complete and confluence with the adjacent chloroplast ER established.Cytokinesis and subsequent segregation of the daughter cells are effected by the dilation of Golgi- and ER-derived vesicles in the interzonal region. No microtubular structures are involved. Comparisons with the results from other studies of mitosis in members of thePrymnesiophyceae show that they all have a number of features in common, but that there are differences in detail between species.     

A cytological study of micronuclear elongation during conjugation in Tetrahymena

Micronuclear elongation is the first major event in a series of nuclear changes occurring during the sexual stage of the life cycle of Tetrahymena. Beginning at about one hour after cells of complementary mating types have conjugated, the micronucleus leaves its recess in the macronucleus and swells slightly. This is accompanied by a reorganization of its chromatin from a reticular to a solid body. In the next stage the micronucleus assumes an egg shape, a development concomitant with the appearance of microtubules. While the chromatin spins out from the dense body, and microtubules increase in number, the nucleus assumes a spindle shape. During the elongation, which increases the length of the nucleus some fifty fold, microtubules are prominent in clusters just internal to the nuclear membrane, and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nucleus. When elongation is completed the nucleus is curved around the macronucleus. Internally, partially condensed strands of chromatin are located off-center, towards the macronuclear side, and the density of the microtubules is diminished. At all the stages, DNA is located throughout the nucleus; neither discrete chromosomes nor synaptonemal complexes are seen. Occasionally cytoplasmic membrane systems are seen fused to the nuclear envelope which retains the typical appearance of a double membrane with pores.