An Attempt to Detect Utilization of Dna Breakdown Products From the Tapetum for Dna Synthesis in the Microspores of Lilium Longiflorum

T akats , S tephen T. (Brookhaven Natl. Lab., Upton, N. Y.) An attempt to detect utilization of DNA breakdown products from the tapetum for DNA synthesis in the microspores of Lilium longiflorum. Amer. Jour. Bot. 49(7): 748–758. Illus. 1962.—The tapetum in anthers of Lilium longiflorum encloses the developing microspores and when it degenerates is a possible source of precursor material for DNA 4 synthesis in the microspores. To check this, time‐course experiments were carried out tracing the fate of label introduced into the tapetal DNA. H 3 ‐thymidine was given in vivo to anthers during late pachytene of meiosis, when the tapetum can be selectively labelled. Growth was then followed by sampling anthers until the tapetum degenerated and the microspores synthesized DNA and divided. Autoradiographs indicated that the label in tapetal nuclei was lost shortly before DNA synthesis in the microspores. The microspore walls were transiently labelled, but the microspore nuclei did not incorporate a detectable amount of label. The results are discussed in the light of related biochemical findings, and are explained on the basis of: (1) complete catabolism of tapetal DNA (or tapetal thymine); and (2) the existence of a non‐tapetal pool of precursors.