Chloroplasts containing putative mycosomes are often enveloped by a fungus membrane or thin electron opaque protoplast fused with the plastid envelope. Both mycosomes and developing yeast cells are associated with thylakoid membranes. Mycosome presence within plastids is also inferred because senescent forms produce spherules similar to those of pure-culture fungi, and cultured green plastids produce multiple globose or filamentous extensions. The research suggests several interesting questions. The unraveling of mycosome life history and distribution will undoubtedly be rewarding.
Fungi reproduce within plastids of senescent plant tissue.
I Striga, ed.