Chromonemata 15 



At metaphase and anaphase, the chromonemata are tightly 

 coiled within a retaining matrix. When the matrix disappears 

 at telophase, the chromonemata are free to stretch out through 

 the cell, which they do; but apparently they never stretch out 

 to their fullest extent and retain some of their coiled nature. 

 Thus the loose coils in which the chromosomes at early prophase 

 are arranged are the relics of the tight coils of the previous 

 metaphase and anaphase. These prophase coils are called relic 

 coils. 



