Differential mitotic behaviour of genetically balanced and unbalanced microspores of an interchange heterozygote of Allium triquetrum

Abstract

Genetically balanced and unbalanced microspores of an interchange heterozygote of Allium triquetrum are shown to behave differently with respect to their first pollen grain mitosis (PGMI). Two types of unbalanced microspores abort immediately prior to PGMI, while another two types are delayed in their progression through PGMI. The data presented have relevance to transmission potentials of unbalanced postmeiotic cells and estimates of their frequencies in interchange (reciprocal translocation) heterozygotes.Key words: differential behaviour, unbalanced cells, pollen grain mitosis, interchange heterozygosity.