Summary
Naturally segregated nucleoli have been observed during the prophase in meiocytes of Allium cepa anthers. Under the light microscope the nucleolus is seen to consist of two clearly differentiated regions: a central core, which is strongly argyrophilic (ochre or dark brown) and slightly basophilic, surrounded by a basophilic peripheral region, which shows a low degree of argyrophilia. Under the electron microscope the central region appears as consisting of fibrillar elements (pars fibrosa), while the peripheral region proved to consist mainly of granules about 150 Å in diameter (pars granulosa).
When the pachytene nucleolus of Allium cepa is stained with basic fuchsin, a small circular area appears intensely stained, which gradually grows larger as the pachytene proceeds. This characteristic structure, eventually reaching a size of 0.5–1.5 μ is regularly to be observed with a central vacuole. Under the electron microscope this area appears as a circular structure of high electron density, which corresponds in shape and size with the area revealed by the light microscope.
The relationship between this new structure, which we have called globulus with other nucleolar structures is discussed.
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This work was partially supported by a grant from the Fondo de Ayuda a la Investigación, 1968, Spain. We wish to thank most especially Dr. M. C. Risueño, M.I. Rodriguez-García and J. M. Sogo, of the Cell Structures Section, (Department of Cytology) for their efficient collaboration. We also wish to thank M. C. Partearroyo and A. Partearroyo for technical assistance. One of the authors (J.C.S.) has a Research Training Fellowship awarded by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (World Health Organization).
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Giménez-Martín, G., Stockert, J.C. Nucleolar structure during the meiotic prophase in Allium cepa anthers. Z. Zellforsch. 107, 551–563 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335440
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00335440