Unusual chromosome separation in meiosis of Cuscuta L.

This study suggests that precocious division of centromeres and probably inverted meiosis (i.e., the rare occasion in meiosis when the equatorial division precedes the reductional division) occur not only in Cuscuta babylonica Choisy but also in several other dodders, regardless of their chromosome number. It was found in four additional species, all of which belong to subgenus Cuscuta. At least two other species (of subgenus Grammica and subgenus Monogyna) undergo the usual process. Therefore, Cuscuta warrants closer study and may provide a better understanding of inverted meiosis as well as the regular process of meiosis.