Video digitizer analysis of birefringence along the lengths of single chromosomal spindle fibres. II. Crane-fly spermatocyte chromosomal spindle fibres are not temperature-labile.
Retardations were measured along the lengths of single chromosomal spindle fibres, from metaphase through anaphase, from video-taped images of crane-fly spermatocytes incubated at various temperatures (4-30 degrees C). These measurements were made using a video digitizer interfaced to a microcomputer. Over most of the range of temperatures at which normal anaphase movement occurs the chromosomal spindle fibres are not temperature-labile. The non-specific and continuous fibre birefringence is temperature-labile, however. The data are discussed with respect to the 'dynamic equilibrium' model of anaphase chromosome movement. We conclude that, since single chromosomal fibre birefringence is not temperature-labile over most of the range of temperatures at which normal anaphase chromosome movement occurs, these data do not support the dynamic equilibrium model of anaphase chromosome movement.
D000705:Anaphase; D000818:Animals; D001718:Birefringence; D004175:Diptera; D008297:Male; D008677:Metaphase; D008838:Microcomputers; D013090:Spermatocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008941:Spindle Apparatus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013696:Temperature; D014743:Videotape Recording