Changes in chloroplast ultrastructure and total content of endogenous cytokinins (CK) were studied during different phases of plant development in transgenic Pssu-ipt tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Petit Havana SR1). Permanent overproduction of CK was found in both rooted (SE) and grafted (G) Pssu-ipt plants in all phases of plant development with the peak in vegetative and flowering phase in the latter ones. No such a correlation was observed in SE on the contrary to control non-transgenic plants (SR1) and grafts (SRG), which showed also CK increase at juvenile and flowering phases. No significant differences in parameters of chloroplast ultrastructure, such as length of chloroplast, starch content, granum width, and number of thylakoids per granum, were proved between chloroplasts from young mature leaves of control and transgenic tobacco during plant ontogeny. Nevertheless, several anomalies in the ultrastructure of cell organelles were found in Pssu-ipt tobacco. Amoeboid shape of chloroplasts was often observed in connection with "tubular clusters" resembling peripheral reticulum. The distinct crystalline structures located in chloroplasts might be formed by LHC protein aggregates. Smaller crystals of unknown composition were found also in mitochondria. Numerous crystalline cores were present in peroxisomes. The alterations might be the result of imbalance of phytohormone content, degradation effect of CK overproduction, or the example of acclimation to permanent stress. and H. Synková, R. Pechová, R. Valcke.
The ultrastructure of cotton leaves, exhibiting reddening as symptom of physiological disorder, was examined by means of transmission electron microscopy. Osmiophilisation of the membrane compartment was established. Massive agglomerations on the tonoplast in the vacuole of cells under the adaxial epidermis were observed, and were referred to as electron-dense osmiophilic substance, most probably of anthocyanin nature. In chloroplast stroma a zone of low electron density enclosing numerous osmiophilic aggregations of unclear chemical character was differentiated. Fragmentation and severe destruction of thylakoids in chloroplasts of reddening cotton leaves was not detected. and D. Stoyanova-Koleva ... [et al.].