Abstract
The role which DNA and RNA syntheses play in meiotic de-velopment was analyzed by the cytological effects of various inhibitors of nucleic acid synthesis in lily microsporocytes. Microsporocytes in meiotic prophase were cultured in vitro for discrete periods in the presence of inhibitors at various concentrations. Of the tested inhibitors eleven were effective. Many different cytological abnormalities were produced by these agents. The ab-normalities could be divided into two groups; the suppression of meiotic development and the induction of various types of chromosome aberrations. The effects of inhibitors that leads to developmental suppression in prophase cells was examined in detail. Significances of DNA and RNA syntheses in meiotic development are discussed.
