Aphidicolin as synchronizing agent in root tip meristems of Haplopappus gracilis

Aphidicolin, a reversible inhibitor of nuclear DNA replication, was tested as syncrhonizing agent in root tip meristems of Haplopappus gracilis. Embryos (i.e. decoated seeds) or 3-day-old seedlings were used to this purpose. After a 24 h treatment with the drug, a high level of synchrony was observed in both experimental materials for two cell cycles as assessed by determining the accumulation of cells in the S and M phases of the cycle. Highest synchronization was obtained with germinating embryos, possibly owing to a low degree of synchrony already existing in this system.