The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 01 (of 10) — John Shaqi
The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 01 (of 10)Hickson, Sydney J. (Sydney John)
Science
The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 01 (of 10)
Hickson, Sydney J. (Sydney John)
Animals
The process we have just examined is called "mitosis," "karyomitosis," or
"karyokinesis"; and the nucleus is said to undergo "indirect" division, as
compared to "direct" division by mere constriction. In an intermediate
mode, common to many Protista, the nuclear wall persists throughout the
whole process, though a spindle is constituted within, and chromosomes are
formed and split: the division of the nucleus takes place, however, by
simple constriction, as seen in the Filose Rhizopod _Euglypha_ (Fig. 8).
[Illustration: FIG. 8.—Fission with modified karyokinesis in the Filose
Rhizopod _Euglypha_. A, outgrowth of half of the cytoplasm, passage of
siliceous plates for young shell outwards; B, completion of shell of second
cell, formation of _intra_-nuclear spindle; C, D, further stages. (From
Wilson, after Schewiakoff.)]
In many Sarcodina and some Sporozoa the nucleus gives off small fragments
into the cytoplasm, or is resolved into them; {30}they have been termed
"chromidia" by E. Hertwig. New nuclei may be formed by their growth and
coalescence, the original nucleus sometimes disappearing more or less
completely.
In certain cases the division of the nucleus is not followed by that of the
cytoplasm, so that a plurinucleate mass of protoplasm results: this is
called an "apocyte"; and we find transitional forms between this and the
uninucleate or true cell. Thus in one species of _Amoeba_ (_A. binucleata_)
there are always two nuclei, which divide simultaneously to provide for the
outfit of the daughter-cells on fission. Again, we find in some cases that
similar multinucleate masses may be formed by the union of two or more
cells by their cytoplasm only: such a union is termed "permanent
plastogamy," and the plurinucleate mass a "plasmodium."[42] Here again we
find intermediate forms between plasmodium and apocyte, for the nuclei of
the former may divide and so increase in number, without division of the
still growing mass. Both kinds of plurinucleate organisms are termed
"coenocytes" without reference to their mode of origin.
The rhythm of cell-life that we have just studied is called the
"Spencerian" rhythm. Each cell in turn grows from half the bulk of its
parent at the time it was formed to the full size of that parent, when it
divides in its own turn. Rest is rare, and assumed only when the cell is
exposed to such unfavourable external conditions as starvation, drought,
etc.; it has no necessary relation to fission.
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