Development of mesophyll cell chloroplasts during ontogeny of second wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaf was compared in plants grown in Ml nutrient solution (+N) and in nutrient solution without nitrogen (-N). Chloroplast size and ultrastructure were evaluated quantitatively by means of transmission electron microscopy and stereology. In -N plants compared to +N ones, the life spán of the second leaf was shortened and chloroplast development modified; the most striking feature was the accumulation of starch. Moreover, mature chloroplasts of -N plants were smaller and had smaller relative partial volume of thylakoids and larger relative partial volume of plastoglobules than those of +N plants.