SOME EFFECTS OF COLCHICINE UPON THE FIRST CLEAVAGE IN ARBACIA PUNCTULATA

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Abstract
Colchicine in concs. of 0.0002 [image] inhibits cleavage at 22[degree]-24.4[degree]C if applied up (o 22 min. after fertilization. Eggs placed in the colchicine soln. while in prophase, metaphase or early anaphase fail to complete cytokinesis. The chief action of colchicine is to lower viscosity or to inhibit and destroy the increased gelation found during division. Colchicine reverses the asters and spindle to the sol state. Chromosomes divide but do not separate normally. Destruction of the asters and spindle before late anaphase inhibits cleavage. However, in later stages a return of the asters and spindle to a sol state does not stop cleavage. This indicates that their main action in cleavage occurs before the late stages of mitosis.

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