[Two novel meiotic restitution mechanisms in haploid maize (Zea mays L.)].

Two original mechanisms of nuclear restitution related to different processes of meiotic division of pollen mother cells (PMCs) have been found in male meiosis of the lines of maize haploids no. 2903 and no. 2904. The first mechanism, which is characteristic of haploid no. 2903, consists in spindle deformation (bend) in the conventional metaphase-anaphase I. This leads to asymmetric incomplete cytokinesis with daughter cell membranes in the form of incisions on the mother cell membrane. As a result, the chromosomes of the daughter nuclei are combined into a common spindle during the second meiotic division, and a dyad of haploid microspores is formed at the tetrad stage. The frequency of this abnormality is about 50%. The second restitution mechanism, which has been observed in PMCs of haploid no. 2904, results from disturbance of the fusion of membrane vesicles (plastosomes) at the moment of formation of daughter cell membranes and completion of cytokinesis in the first meiotic division. This type of cell division yields a binuclear monad. In the second meiotic division, the chromosomes of the daughter nuclei form a common spindle, and meiosis results in a dyad of haploid microspores. The frequency of this abnormality is as high as 15%. As a result, haploid lines no. 2903 and no. 2904 partly restore fertility.

[Cortical cytoskeletal ring in prophase II leads to correction of abnormalities of the first meiotic division and to meiotic restitution of pollen mother cell nucleus].

The deviation of prophase cytoskeletal ring formation was determined during meiotic division in 50% of pollen mother cells (PMCs) in maize haploid No 1498 (Zea mays). At prophase in both meiotic divisions the cytoskeletal ring is formed in cortical region of cytoplasm instead of perinuclear. Sometimes formation of both perinuclear and cortical rings is observed in the same cell. It has been shown that in multinucleate PMCs the cortical ring leads to the consolidation of chromosomes into common spindle and to meiotic restitution.

[Polyarchal spindles in higher plant meiosis].

Morphogenesis and functioning of polyarchal spindles in higher plant meiosis were studied. A mechanism of anastral spindle formation in discussed.

[Altering of phragmoplast orientation as a result of excessive centrifugal movement in the absence of cell plate].

The inability of phragmoplast to stop its centrifugal movement after reaching the mother cell membrane is described in abnormal meiosis with the arrest of cell plate formation. The excess of phragmoplast expansion leads to rotation of the whole telophase figure (phragmoplast with daughter nuclei) within the cell through 90 degrees. It has been suggested that this phenomenon may occur because of a the lack of signal stopping cytokinesis. Such a signal arises due to formation of daughter cell membranes.

[Consolidation of cytoskeleton during plant spindle formation. I. Abnormalities of spindle integrity in meiosis]. / Konsolidatsiia tsitoskeleta pri formirovanii veretena deleniia v rastitel'noi kletke.

The process of formation of multiple spindles in mononucleate pollen mother cells during meiosis in general wide hybrids F1 and haploids is described. It is assumed that the abnormality may be caused by aberration of a special process at late prometaphase providing for the spindle consolidation.