STUDIES ON THE CILIATES FROM FRESH WATER MUSSELS

Abstract

Examination of chromosomal division in these 3 ciliates reveals a longitudinal chromosom split on the metaphase plate, the daughter chromosomes slipping past each other on the way to their respective poles. This phenomenon can be seen clearly in the large micronucleus of C. anodontae but is more obscure in the small micronuclei of the other 2. In all 3 spp. during division a considerable amount of macronuclear chromatin is cast into the cytoplasm, where it degenerates. A number of abnormalities of division is described.