Abstract
The sequence of mitosis in sea urchin eggs was investigated in the presence and absence of D2O. Direct observations of living cells under a polarizing microscope and observations with fixation-staining procedures were used. The duration of mitosis was extended by the presence of D2O. The slight extension of anaphase was due to elongation of the spindle in D2O, but the period from prophase to metaphase was clearly prolonged in the deuterated condition. These results indicate that D2O does not suppress anaphase chromosome movement, but does affect prometaphase and delays the alignment of chromosomes on the equatorial plane of the mitotic spindle at metaphase. The stability of the isolated mitotic apparatus against Ca ions and low temperature also was investigated. There was no difference in the deterioration of isolated spindle birefringence under normal and deuterated conditions. The implications of these results are discussed in relation to the enhancement effect of D2O on the volume and birefringence of the living mitotic spindle.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
