Relative rate of development of aneuploid cells in an euploid environment

The relative rate of development of aneuploid and eudiploid microspores was studied in anthers of autotetraploidTradescantia virginiana (4x=24), Lycopersicum esculentum (4x=48) andSecale cereale (4x=28). Although the species showed slight differences, in all three the first pollen grain mitosis took place considerably later in aneuploid than in euploid cells. Although hypoploid cells were somewhat more retarded than hyperploid cells, the difference was not great, indicating a decidedly lower degree of developmental autonomy of microspores than of embryos, which only infrequently tolerate hypoploidy at the diploid level.