Chromosome distribution between two restitution nuclei in a cell following colchicine treatment

Abstract

Roots of Zea mays L., Secale cereale L., Vicia faba, L., Allium cepa L., and Hordeum vulgare L. were treated with colchicine. C-metaphases were observed in cells which had chromosomes present in two distinct groups, not the typical single group. Chromosome distribution into two groups was not followed by chromatid segregation: instead, the chromosomes underwent restitution and binucleate-interphase cells were formed. The distribution of chromosomes into two groups is functionally equivalent to chromosome nondisjunction. In some cases, the two groups contained different numbers of chromosomes; these gave rise to aneuploid nuclei. The results support the view that the pattern of chromosome distribution into two groups is not random; it may reflect chromosome position in the interphase or prophase nucleus. The results are related to (i) the formation of genotypic and phenotypic mosaics produced by treatment with other microtubule inhibiting drugs or in response to cell division mutants and (ii) the spatial distribution of chromosomes within the nucleus.