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Endomitosis in tapetal cells of some Cymbidiums (Orchidaceae)

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Abstract

True endomitosis in the anther tapetum of the three Cymbidium species viz. C. aloifolium, C. devonianum and C. tigrinum is described. In these Cymbidiums, most tapetal cells go through endomitosis instead of either normal mitosis or so called “inhibited” mitosis. The nuclear membrane does not disappear, but during metaphase the chromosomes are considerably condensed far more than in normal mitosis, and nucleolus persists throughout the endomitotic cycle. Endomitosis may not be unusual to the tapetal cells of these peculiar Cymbidiums but may have a wider application and explain many of the cytological phenomena occurring in the tapetal cells of other plants. Further, physical localization of 45S rRNA genes during endomitotic divisions may help to confirm their atypical activities as well as provide insight into the course and degree of tapetum polyploidization. Analysis of DNA-methylation levels is also recommended for understanding the role of nucleolus for spindle formation during endomitosis.

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Acknowledgements

The present work is supported by a grant from University Grants Commission, Government of India, New Delhi through University with Potential for Excellence (UPE) – Bioscience program. We thank the Head of the Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, NEHU, Shillong for providing facilities. Sincere thanks are due to all members of Plant Biotechnology Laboratories of Department of Botany and Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, NEHU, Shillong for their constant encouragement and help.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India

    Santosh Kumar Sharma & Satyawada Rama Rao

  2. Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya, India

    Suman Kumaria & Pramod Tandon

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  1. Santosh Kumar Sharma
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  2. Suman Kumaria
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  3. Pramod Tandon
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  4. Satyawada Rama Rao
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Correspondence to Satyawada Rama Rao.

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Sharma, S.K., Kumaria, S., Tandon, P. et al. Endomitosis in tapetal cells of some Cymbidiums (Orchidaceae). Nucleus 55, 21–25 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13237-012-0049-1

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