[Correlation between cell cycle and cell morphology of RKN cells]

In order to study the changes in the morphology of each phase of the cell cycle, RKN cells, derived from a human ovarian myosarcoma, were synchronized by a mitotic selection method and studied under time-lapse cinematography, light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

M-phase: The cells with relatively a few cytoplasmic organelles were small and spherical, and chromosome were seen in them. The cell surface was covered with numerous mivilli. Late G1,S and early G2 phase: The large, thin cells were flat and polygonal with various organelles inside and had central nuclei. Most of the chromatin patterns were finely granular. No microvilli were found on the cell surface. Early G1-phase: The paired daughter cells were fanshaped and the nuclei were eccentric with finely granular chromatin patterns. At the edges of the cells, rufflers which were related to cell movements were often seen. Late G2-phase: The thick cells were of a spindle shape and the chromatin patterns were a coarse granular type. Again on the cell surface microvilli increased and the slender filopodia were often seen.