The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)Spencer, Herbert
Science
The Principles of Biology, Volume 1 (of 2)
Spencer, Herbert
Biology
The facts as thus grouped suggest that the nucleus has arisen in conformity
with the law of evolution--that the primitive protoplast, though not
homogeneous in the full sense, was homogeneous in the sense of being a
uniformly granular protoplasm; and that the protoplasts with diffused
nuclei, together with those which are multi-nucleate, and those which have
nuclei of a branching form, represent stages in that process by which the
relatively homogeneous protoplast passed into the relatively heterogeneous
one now almost universal.
Concerning the structure and composition of the developed nucleus, the
primary fact to be named is that, like the surrounding granular cytoplasm,
it is formed of two distinct elements. It has a groundwork or matrix not
differing much from that of the cytoplasm, and at some periods continuous
with it; and immersed in this it has a special matter named chromatin,
distinguished from its matrix by becoming dyed more or less deeply when
exposed to fit re-agents. During the "resting stage," or period of growth
and activity which comes between periods of division, the chromatin is
dispersed throughout the ground-substance, either in discrete portions or
in such way as to form an irregular network or sponge-work, various in
appearance. When the time for fission is approaching this dispersed
chromatin begins to gather itself together: reaching its eventual
concentration through several stages. By its concentration are produced the
chromosomes, constant in number in each species of plant or animal. It is
alleged that the substance of the chromosomes is not continuous, but
consists of separate elements or granules, which have been named
chromomeres; and it is also alleged that, whether in the dispersed or
integrated form, each chromosome retains its individuality--that the
chromomeres composing it, now spreading out into a network and now uniting
into a worm-like body, form a group which never loses its identity. Be this
as it may, however, the essential fact is that during the growth-period the
chromatin substance is widely distributed, and concentration of it is one
of the chief steps towards a division of the nucleus and presently of the
cell.
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