The Macronucleus of Epistylis articulata From., during Conjugation: A Photometric Study

Abstract

At the time of conjugation, the macronucleus of the 2 conjugants of E. articulata breaks up into a number of fragments. In the syn-conjugant they often number 200. Gradually, a reduction in the number of fragments takes place, owing to a loss in each fragment of its DNA content and its final dissolution in the cytoplasm. Photometric analysis of Feulgen-stained fragments indicates a gradual decrease of DNA content of each fragment, which, in the final stages, appears as a faintly staining body with little DNA. A similar analysis of the developing macro-nuclear analgen indicates a synthesis of DNA in each analge, rapidly at first, more gradually and slowly in later stages.