Induced Autogamy in 2 Species of Stylonychia

SYNOPSIS By using the split-pair method autogamy was induced in Stylonychia mytilus Ehrenberg and S. muscorum Kahl, and the process was thoroly studied in the former. The pairs split early in conjugation continued the process as autogamonts and never united again altho they were placed in the same depression slide.
The pattern of nuclear behavior during autogamy closely resembles that reported for conjugation. The fusion of pronuclei at metaphase is usually observed, but it occasionally fails and the stationary pronucleus appears to continue its development as a hemicaryon. The macronuclear anlage and the definitive micronuclei differentiate from particular products of the 3rd postgamic division.