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The effect of colchicine on synapsis and chiasma formation in microsporocytes of Lilium

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Abstract

Microsporocytes of Lilium that are exposed to colchicine as late as early zygotene show reduced chiasma frequencies and the presence of univalents at Division I. These effects are preceded at pachytene by the appearance of pairing gaps (light microscopy) and by a relatively high ratio of uncomplexed lateral elements/synaptonemal complexes (EM). Chiasma formation thus appears to be reduced by failures in synapsis. Unlike the behavior of wheat, colchicine can disrupt chiasma formation in Lilium after cells have entered meiosis.

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Shepard, J., Boothroyd, E.R. & Stern, H. The effect of colchicine on synapsis and chiasma formation in microsporocytes of Lilium . Chromosoma 44, 423–437 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00284902

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