Polymorphism and polyploidy in the rotifer <i>Asplanchna sieboldi</i>: Relative nuclear DNA contents in tissues of saccate and campanulate females

Abstract

Abstract The relative DNA content of nuclei from saccate and campanulate females of A. sieboldi was measured cytophotometrically. Mitotic figures from embryonic tissues of both morphotypes had similar DNA contents, indicating that both are diploid. Adult tissues were mixoploid with nuclear DNA levels characteristic of replications of the entire genome. The yolk gland nuclei showed the highest levels of ploidy (36‐ to 300‐ploid), with the greater values being restricted to the terminal regions. The gastric gland nuclei showed intermediate levels (2‐ to 50‐ploid). Oocytes were diploid and arrested in G2.