Prophase bands of microtubules occur in protoplast cultures of Vicia hajastana Grossh.
Circumnuclear bands of microtubules (MT) have been found in the prophase of mitoses in cultured protoplasts of Vicia hajastana. The timing of the appearance and disappearance of the prophase band of MT (PB) relative to the stage of mitosis was studied using simultaneous staining of MT by immunofluorescence and DNA by Hoechst 33258. These protoplasts regenerate into unorganized tissue. Pre-prophase bands of MT have previously been found only in highly organized tissues of higher plants. The role of PB in cell division is discussed.
Biology Department, Carleton University, K1A 5B6, Ottawa, Ont, Canada.
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Simmonds