Colchicine Effect on the Prothalli of Goniopteris multi-lineata (Wall.) Bedd. and G. prolifera (Roxb.) with Emphasis on Abnormal Spermatogenesis in Polyploid Prothalli

Cytological investigation into abnormal sperm formation in polyploidprothalli reported earlier has been undertaken. It is establishedthat the B-type sperms are diploid and giant C type derive fromtetraploids. The spermatogenesis in tetraploid prothalli ismodified by frequent amitosis and fragmentation of the mothercell nucleus resulting in twins, triplets, and monsters withdouble or triple heads or tails; obviously the nuclear constitutionof these sperms is variable.