THE RABBIT ZYGOTE : III. Formation of the Blastomere Nucleus

The formation of the blastomere nucleus was examined in the rabbit zygote with the electron microscope. In late anaphase the chromosomes are bare and vesicles of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum are numerous in the vicinity of the chromosomes. In early telophase individual chromosomes attain their own nuclear envelope and they are called karyomeres. The envelope of the karyomeres contains small gaps within it at several places where the chromatin is exposed to the cytoplasm. Nuclear pores are also observed. In the cytoplasm short annulate lamellae appear adjacent to the karyomeres, and clusters of punctate substance are also present. From early telophase onward the karyomeres extend pseudopod-like structures, called karyopods, which extend toward other karyomeres or karyopods, and consequently fuse together and serve as chromosomal bridges. Eventually all of the karyomeres fuse into a dense nucleus and decondensation of the chromosomes occurs.