Induction of Multipolar Spindles in the Meiosis of Triticum aestivum as Effected by Acetone

Abstract

Acetone affects meiotic division in a specific manner; in T. aestivum it produces mutipolar anaphases in the pollen mother cells. Stickiness and chromosome bridges were observed after treatment with high concentrations of acetone. Free chromosomes at anaphase were found in lower concentrations. The formation of multiple spindle apparatus by application of acetone may disturb the extrachromosomal mechanism leaving the intrachromosomal process to proceed normally. This disturbance is restricted to the abnormal diffusion of the spindle organizers in many directions instead of towards the 2 poles.