Chromosome evolution in the genus Ophioglossum L.

Cytological observations on eleven species of Ophioglossum revealed low gametic ( n ) chromosome numbers of 30, 34 and 60 in populations of O.eliminatum , contrasting with an earlier report of n = 90 in the same species. The rest of the species is based on n =120.Cytologically studied species of Ophioglossum exhibit a range of chromosome numbers from n = 30 in O.eliminatum to n =720 in O.reticulatum. The weighted highest common factor (HGF) from all the reported chromosome numbers in twelve species was found to be 30. This number is proposed as the palaeobasic chromosome number for the genuS. Reported chromosome numbers which are not multiples of 30 were subjected to sequential analysis, yielding three distinct ultimate base numbers, 4, 5 and 6, which can produce n = 30 in seven different ways. The neobasic number, n= 120, appears to have arisen through various combinations and permutations of these, theoretically 2401 routes; only a relatively few of these routes exist today, suggesting that extreme selection has been exerted against the majority, and further suggesting that Ophioglossum represents an evolutionary dead end through repeated cycles of polyploidy and is possibly at the verge of extinction. The stoichiometric model of evolution, which derives the various chromosome numbers possessed by the twelve species from the basic and ultimate basic chromosome numbers, is used to explain chromosomal evolution in the genus.     

Aspiration cytodiagnosis of the breast with abundant acellular calcific material indicative of soft tissue calcinosis (a study of 3 cases)

Calcific deposits in soft tissue are rare and may clinically resemble a tumour. It seems feasible, therefore, to investigate them by the non-invasive technique of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). In this study three cases with extensive accumulation of acellular calcific material in the breast are described in which FNAC was indicative of soft tissue calcinosis. In all cases routine mammogram had shown a partially cystic opacity. All other investigations were normal and no significant family or medical history was present. Cytopreparations in all cases showed only abundant acellular calcium. The patients had no further treatment and on follow up were clinically well with no changes. The cases are interesting, since the cytohistological findings in the aspirate sample appeared to be strongly indicative of soft tissue calcinosis.     

The morphological nature of the fertile spike in the Ophioglossaceae

KHANDELWAL, S., 1986. The morphological nature of the fertile spike in the Ophiogiossaceae. A study of a large collection of specimens belonging to 12 species of Ophioglossum revealed the presence of many abnormal structures in the tropophyll and the spike. These anomalous structures suggest that the fertile spike of Ophioglossum is derived from the modified pinnae of a compound leaf. Compound vegetative leaves are possessed by its allies Botrychium and Helminthostachys.