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The cytology of cotyledon cells and the induction of giant polytene chromosomes inPisum sativum

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Summary

The cotyledon cells ofPisum sativum have high DNA contents. By appropriate culture techniques, some of these cells can be triggered into division. Two types of dividing nuclei were seen. Firstly those that were polyploid with metaphases containing chromosome numbers ranging in value from 4 x to 32 x. Included among these were unexpected numbers equivalent to 12 x and 14 x. Secondly there were cells containing giant polytene chromosomes and these progressed from prophase to a metaphase where the polytene chromosomes separated into constituent single chromosomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. John Innes Institute, Colney Lane, NR4 7UH, Norwich, England

    G. E. Marks & D. R. Davies

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  1. G. E. Marks
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  2. D. R. Davies
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Marks, G.E., Davies, D.R. The cytology of cotyledon cells and the induction of giant polytene chromosomes inPisum sativum . Protoplasma 101, 73–80 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01293436

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01293436

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