THE IMMEDIATE RESPONSE OF THE QUIESCENT CENTRE TO X‐RAYS

Abstract

Roots of Allium sativum and Zea mays were given 150 rads and 1800 rads of X‐rays respectively. Cells of the quiescent centre respond at once by coining into mitosis although most are at G, before irradiation. There is a stimulation of DNA synthesis in the quiescent centre, but not elsewhere, immediately after irradiation. Some cells, however, undergo mitosis without having synthesized DNA and this results in prophase and metaphase nuclei without the normal 4C complement of DNA. Copyright © 1970, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved