Skip to main content
Log in

Mitotic cycle time and DNA content in annual and perennialMicroseridinae (Compositae, Cichoriaceae)

  • Published:
Plant Systematics and Evolution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Within eight annual and perennialMicroseridinae species studied, the duration of the mitotic cycle is positively correlated with the nuclear DNA content, cycle time (hrs) = 7.3 + 0.32 × pg DNA/nucleus. Within the generaAgoseris andMicroseris, the annuals have lower DNA contents and more rapid mitotic cycle times than do the perennials. This relationship is predicted by the nucleotypic theory ofBennett. Annual species ofPyrrhopappus have relatively high DNA contents and a proportionately longer mitotic cycle time, but contrary to that expected by the nucleotypic theory as originally proposed have the fastest growth rate and shortest generation time observed in theMicroseridinae. This rapid developmental rate is discussed, nucleotypically, however, by analyzing relationships between DNA content, mitotic cycle time, and cell size.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bennett, M. D., 1972: Nuclear DNA content and minimum generation time in herbaceous plants. Proc. R. Soc. Lond.B 181, 109–135.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Conger, A. D., andFairchild, M., 1953: A quick-freeze method for making smear slides permanent. Stain Technol.28, 281–283.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, G. A., andEndrizzi, J. E., 1975: Cell size, nuclear size and DNA content relationships inGossypium. Can. J. Genet. Cytol.17, 181–186.

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans, G. M., Rees, H., Snell, C. L., andSun, S., 1972: The relationship between nuclear DNA amount and the duration of the mitotic cycle. In:Darlington, C. D., andLewis, K. R. (Eds.): Chromosomes Today,3, 24–31. New York: Hafner.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagl, W., 1974: Mitotic cycle time in perennial and annual plants with various amounts of DNA and heterochromatin. Developmental Biology39, 342–346.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • —, andEhrendorfer, F., 1974: DNA content, heterochromatin, mitotic index, and growth in perennial and annualAnthemideae (Asteraceae). Plant Syst. Evol.123, 35–54.

    Google Scholar 

  • Northington, D. K., 1974: Systematic studies of the genusPyrrhopappus (Compositae, Cichorieae). Museum Special Publication6, 1–38. Lubbock: Texas Tech Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, H. J., 1976: Evolution of DNA content in higher plants. Bot. Rev.42, 27–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • —, andBachmann, K., 1975: DNA content and evolution in the Microseridinae. Amer. J. Bot.62, 262–267.

    Google Scholar 

  • —, andNauman, A. F., 1973: Correlations between nuclear volume, cell volume and DNA content in meristematic cells of herbaceous angiosperms. Experientia29, 1028–1029.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmid, W., 1965: Autoradiography of human chromosomes. InYunis, J. J. (Ed.): Human Chromosome Methodology, 102–109. London-New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siegel, S., 1956: Nonparametric Statistics. 184–193. New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stebbins, G. L., 1953: A new classification of the tribeCichorieae, familyCompositae. Madrono12, 65–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van't Hof, J., 1965: Relationships between mitotic cycle duration, S period duration and the average rate of DNA synthesis in the root meristem cells of several plants. Exp. Cell Res.39, 48–58.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • —, andSparrow, A. H., 1963: A relationship between DNA content, nuclear volume, and minimum mitotic cycle time. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.49, 897–902.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wimber, D. E., 1960: Duration of the nuclear cycle inTradescantia paludosa root tips as measured with3H-thymidine. Amer. J. Bot.47, 828–834.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Price, H.J., Bachmann, K. Mitotic cycle time and DNA content in annual and perennialMicroseridinae (Compositae, Cichoriaceae) . Pl Syst Evol 126, 323–330 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00983368

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00983368

Key words

Navigation