The oxygen consumption of the microspores of Trillium in relation to the mitotic cycle

The oxygen consumption of 265 single Trillium erectum anthers was measured before and during the mitotic cycle of the microspores using a modified differential microrespirometer. The results show a rising oxygen consumption of the anther in the premitotic stages followed by a sharp drop immediately preceding and during active division. It is suggested from these results that active division may be associated with anaerobic behavior and that the rapid uptake of molecular oxygen commonly associated with proliferating tissues is probably characteristic of premitotic development.