抄録
Clean and large dividing cells of cultured lung epithelium of the Japanese newt were used to study physiological and morphological differences that exist between the metaphase and anaphase of mitosis. The response of the mitotic apparatus to pulse treatment with mitotic poisons (10μM of Colcemid or vinblastine) at room temperature was followed with polarization and phase-contrast microscopy.
In general, the length and birefringence of the spindles in both metaphase and anaphase gradually decreased on the pulse application of these drugs and finally disappeared. Chromosomes in metaphase in treated cells always maintained their shape and structure for a longer time than did those of the control. Chromosomes in anaphase in treated cells tended to change their structure and formresting nuclei or karyomeres.
These results support the belief that the physical properties of chromosomes are altered during the transition from metaphase to anaphase.
