Spindle Plaques Research Articles

Cytokinesis in the gonocysts of the drone honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)

Gonocyst growth in the drone honey bee (Apis mellifera, L.) is characterized by a series of mitoses in which cytokinesis is incomplete. After karyokinesis, the division products are reoriented in such a way that the cleavage furrow and spindle remnants point towards the cyst center. Throughout the larval period the cyst center contains depositions of spindle plaques with distinct microtubules and other cytoplasmic components which are associated with the furrowing membranes.Cleavage in the lining cells of the gonocysts is complete. The membranes are closely associated with fibrils and microtubules appear to abut directly on these membranes even in late stages of cytokinesis. In the gonial cells, the innermost regions of the membranes in the furrows are subtended by, but not closely associated with, accumulations of fibrillar material. It is suggested that incomplete cytokinesis in the gonial cells may be mediated by restricted movement of the furrows and that the loose association of fibrillar materials with the furrowing membranes may be indicative of aspects of this process.