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Analysis of cytomixis in tobacco microsporocytes with confocal laser scanning microscopy
Sergey Mursalimov1, Yuri Sidorchuk2, Elena Deineko2
1Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Lavrentieva 10, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russian Federation. mursalimovsr@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Confocal laser scanning microscopy for the first time is used to examine the structure of the tobacco microsporocytes involved in the intercellular migration of nuclei (cytomixis). As is observed, the cytomictic channels are distributed over the surface of tobacco microsporocytes in a non-random manner and their number depends on the meiotic stage. Analysis of non-squash cells demonstrates the differences in cytological patterns of cytomixis in a normal meiosis of control tobacco plants (SR1 line) and the abnormal meiosis of polyploids. As a rule, two to three adjacent cells are involved in cytomixis during meiosis of control tobacco plants; after cytomixis, several micronuclei are formed in recipient cells; cytoplasts (enucleated cells) are rare; and polyads are undetectable. In the meiosis of polyploids, cytomixis is massive, with a larger number of cells (sometimes, over ten) involved in nuclear migration simultaneously; recipient cells on completion of cytomixis develop tens of micronuclei; cytoplasts and polyads are frequently detectable.
Insights
Confocal microscopy reveals distinct nuclear migration (cytomixis) patterns in tobacco. Polyploid meiosis shows massive cytomixis with more cells involved, unlike normal meiosis.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Cell biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Intercellular nuclear migration, or cytomixis, is a poorly understood phenomenon in plant meiosis.
- Previous studies lacked detailed structural analysis of cytomixis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural patterns of cytomixis in tobacco microsporocytes using confocal laser scanning microscopy.
- To compare cytomixis in normal meiosis versus abnormal meiosis in polyploid tobacco.
Main Methods:
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy was employed to visualize microsporocyte structure during meiosis.
- Comparative analysis of cytomixis in control (SR1 line) and polyploid tobacco plants.
Main Results:
- Cytomictic channels exhibit non-random distribution and vary with meiotic stage.
- Normal meiosis involves 2-3 cells, resulting in few micronuclei and rare cytoplasts.
- Polyploid meiosis shows massive cytomixis (over ten cells), numerous micronuclei, and frequent cytoplasts/polyads.
Conclusions:
- Confocal microscopy provides novel insights into cytomixis structure and dynamics.
- Cytomixis patterns differ significantly between normal and polyploid tobacco meiosis, impacting cellular outcomes.
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