Induction of gynogenetic diploids and cytological studies in the zhikong scallop, Chlamys farreri

Abstract

The induction of gynogenetic diploids during meiosis II in the scallop Chlamys farreri was attempted using the treatments of cytochalasin B (0.5 μg ml-1; CB) and 6-dimethylaminopurine (60 μg ml-1; 6-DMAP). The effects of CB and 6-DMAP treatments on meiosis and fertilization of eggs were also examined. Haploid gynogenesis was induced by sperm which were ultraviolet-irradiated for 30 s at an intensity of 2561 μW cm-2 s-1. CB and 6-DMAP treatments were highly effective in suppressing meiosis II, yielding 19% and 28% gynogenetic diploids, respectively. Compared with the CB treatment, the 6-DMAP treatment produced more expected D-shaped larvae. Cytological observations revealed that 6-DMAP inhibited pronuclear movements and the segregation of chromosomes, resulting in the formation of one big diploid female pronucleus with strong fluorescence, while CB inhibited cytokinesis, resulting in two female pronuclei formations. The UV-irradiated sperm nucleus developed into a male pronucleus, but did not participate in karyokinesis at mitotic anaphase, suggesting that gynogenetic diploids were induced in the scallop.