title: Mitotic activity in the maize root apex after freeze-decapping.
abstract: Mitosis and nuclear DNA synthesis have been examined in root apices of maize whose caps were removed by a freezing technique. These processes are not impaired by this technique even though cells at the surface of the decapped apex experience a temperature close to 0°±1.5° C for a brief period. We conclude that freeze-decapping is without significant deleterious effects to the apex and therefore the technique is a useful adjunct in studies of the role of the cap on root growth.
authors.affiliation: Agricultural Research Council Letcombe Laboratory, OX12 9JT, Wantage, Oxon, UK.
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Barlow
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Pilet