IS POLYPLOIDY NECESSARY FOR TISSUE DIFFERENTIATION IN HIGHER PLANTS?

Measurements of relative DNA per nucleus of cells from various tissues show that cell differentiation can occur in the absence of polyploidy in higher plants. In Pisum polyploidy was present in roots, sepals, pods, pistils, and stamens but not in petals or leaves. In Triticum cells of leaves exhibited some polyploidy, but no polyploid cells were present in mature roots. No polyploid cells were found in any tissue of Helianthus examined (roots, cotyledons, stems, leaves, sepals, petals, pistils, and stamens). Therefore, as a general rule, polyploidy should not be considered essential in tissue or organ differentiation of higher plants. In Helianthus polyploidy is unnecessary for the completion of the life cycle.