DNA synthesis and division in interkingdom heterokaryons

Drosophila cells and plant protoplasts were fused by polyethylene glycoldimethylsulfoxide treatment. DNA synthesis in plant and animal cells and in their heterokaryons were monitored by [3H]thymidine autoradiography. In appropriate media both the parental cells and the heterokaryons preserved their DNA synthetic activity. Division of the heterokaryons were also observed.