Radiation-induced perturbation of microsporogenesis in Campelia zanonia (l.) H.B.K.

A recent study of the kinetics of developing microspores in half anther populations of Campelia zanonia has led to a better understanding of the fluctuations in compartmental indexes (e.g. the mitotic index) normally observed in plants grown under rigidly controlled environmental conditions.

Following an acute dose of X irradiation, additional fluctuations are observed in these indexes, and these are described and interpreted in the light of the above study. The induced perturbation is similar to the response found in other partially synchronised cell populations, and is consistent with the existence of two events of particular sensitivity in the mitotic cycle.