The Synchronous Division of Dictyosomes at the Premitotic Stage

The number and distribution pattern of dictyosomes in cellsof a green alga,Closterium ehrenbergii, were examined by fluorescencemicroscopy. Dictyosomes absorbed the fluorescent dye, DiOC6(3) intensely, and strongly radiated fluorescent light. Dictyosomeswere distributed in the cytoplasm along the longitudinal chloroplast-ridges.They began to divide synchronously at a premitotic stage whenthe chloroplast started to divide, and duplicated in numberbefore the cell divided by a transverse septum. Approximatelythe same number of dictyosomes entered each daughter cell. Thedictyosomes never migrated freely in the cytoplasm but migrateda short distance after division. Cell cycle; Closterium ehrenbergii; division of dictyosomes; fluorescence microscopy; Golgi apparatus; vital staining     

Morphological and anatomical analyses of rheophytic Rhododendron ripense Makino (Ericaceae)

The comparative morphology and anatomy of the leaves of the rheophytic Rhododendron ripense and the closely related inland species Rhododendron macrosepalum were examined. The leaf of R. ripense is thinner than that of R. macrosepalum, with leaf length to width ratios (leaf index) of 2.92 and 1.91, respectively. Moreover, the leaf of R. ripense consists of fewer cells than the leaf of R. macrosepalum, suggesting stenophyllization of R. ripense caused by the decreased number of cells. In addition, leaf thickness and the number of stomata per leaf of R. ripense were significantly greater than those of R. macrosepalum, but the density of the short glandular pilose hairs on the leaf of R. ripense was lower. The observed morphological differences between the two species may be explained by certain aspects of the riparian environment, such as high irradiation and frequent flooding after heavy rainfall, to which R. ripense is exposed.