Abstract
A change in the chromosome number of some PMCs in an interspecific hybrid of Coix L. (C. gigantea×aquatica, 2n=16) through cytomixis is reported. In the cytomictic PMCs the chromosomal changes are both quantitative, having 2n=13 and 2n=17 chromosomes instead of the usual 2n=16 and qualitative, having variable number of parental chromosomes instead of the usual 10+6 gigantea and aquatica combination. Causes, places, types, consequences and nature of cytomixis are discussed. It is argued that in the PMCs, the displacement of chromatin from its nearly central position towards periphery, as if acted upon by some force and in preparation to migration, cannot be without any purpose, the latter though as yest not clear to us.
