title: Extract from maturing antheridia of Chara induces increased condensation of mitotic chromosomes in root meristem cells.
abstract: Serving as the incubation medium for root meristems of Allium cepa and Melandrium noctiflorum, crude extracts obtained from maturing male sex organs of Chara tomentosa induce: (1) increased condensation (with both shortening and thickening) of prophase, metaphase and anaphase chromosomes, (2) disarrangement of metaphase plates and aberrant segregation of chromosomes during anaphase, and (3) abnormal decondensation of chromosomes at telophase. Numerous resemblances that exist between the natural processes occurring in male sex organs of Chara and root meristem cells from antheridial extract-treated seedlings suggest the existence of a diffusible condensation-promoting factor, responsible for the reorganization of chromatin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cytophysiology, University of Lódź, Poland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maszewski
mesh_terms: D002452:Cell Count; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D018519:Meristem / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008677:Metaphase / Q000187:drug effects; D008938:Mitosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D008940:Mitotic Index / Q000187:drug effects; D059828:Plant Cells; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010944:Plants / Q000648:ultrastructure*
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts