Changes in nuclear ultrastructure during callus development in tissue culture of Allium sativum

Abstract

The changes in nuclear ultrastructure during garlic development were investigated. In quiescent cells, the nucleus was oblate and small, full of heterochromatin, and without nucleolus. In the active phase cells, the nucleus moved toward the center of the cell, and was enlarged with many deep fissures, and the heterochromatin in the nucleus turned to be euchromatin. One or more nucleoli were seen in active phase cells. Cell divisions were by means of amitosis. Relatively large nuclei with small distortions were seen in the callus cells. These results suggest that the metabolism of the active cells was higher than that of callus and quiescent cells.