84 



CELL-DIVISIOX 



A no less remarkable mode of spindle-formation, which is in a cer- 

 tain way intermediate between the cormophyte-type and the usual 

 animal type is described by Mead ('97, '98, i) in the first maturation- 

 division of CJuctoptcnis. Here the completed am]:)hiaster is of quite 

 typical form, and the centrosomes persist for the followin^^ mitosis; 

 yet Mead is convinced that the amphiaster is synthetically formed by 

 the union of two separate asters and centrosomes (Fig. 150) which 



B 



Fig- 34- — Division of pollen-mother-cells in the lily as described by Gl'IGNARD. 

 A. An.ii)hase of the first division, showing the twelve daughter-chromosomes on eacli side, the 

 interzonal fibres stretching between them, and the centrosomes, already double, at the spindle- 

 poles. D. Later stage, showing the cell-plate at the equator of the spindle and the daughter- 

 spiremes (dispireme-stage of Flemming). C. Division completed; double centrosomes in the 

 resting cell. D. Ensuing division in progress; the upper cell at the close of the proj^hases, the 

 chromosomes and centrosomes still undivided; lower cell in the late anaphase, cell-plate not yet 

 formed. 



have no genetic connection, arising independently dc novo in the 

 cytoplasm.^ Improbable as such a conclusion may seem on a priori 

 grounds, it is supported by very strong evidence,^ and, taken together 



and nearly parallel fibres, each of which terminates in a deeply staining granule. Nearly 

 similar spindles have been described by Strasburger ('So) in Spirogyra, and in the embryo- 

 sac o{ Monoiropa. It is not impossible that such spindles may represent a type intermediate 

 between the "cormoptyte " and " thallophyte " types of Mottier. 



1 C/: p. 306. 



2 I have had the privilege of examining some of Mead's beautiful preparations. 



