Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 22, 2026

Cytomixis

Cytomixis is migration of the nuclei from one plant cell to another through intercellular channels of a special type, differing from plasmodesmata in their structure and size. This unique phenomenon was discovered over a century ago. Intercellular migration of nuclei has been observed in manifold types of plant tissues, for example, apical meristem cells of woody plants and vegetative tissues of the anther. However, cytomixis is most frequently detectable in microsporogenesis. Сytomixis can be involved in the evolutionary processes due to production of unreduced gametes or gametes with varying chromosome numbers. To date cytomixis was found in microsporogenesis of over 400 plant species belonging to 84 families.

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Cytomixis is migration of the nuclei from one plant cell to another through intercellular channels of a special type (cytomictic channels), differing from plasmodesmata in their structure and size.1 This unique phenomenon was discovered over a century ago.23 Intercellular migration of nuclei has been observed in manifold types of plant tissues, for example, apical meristem cells of woody plants4 and vegetative tissues of the anther.5 However, cytomixis is most frequently detectable in microsporogenesis.67 Сytomixis can be involved in the evolutionary processes due to production of unreduced gametes or gametes with varying chromosome numbers.891011 To date cytomixis was found in microsporogenesis of over 400 plant species belonging to 84 families.12

References

References

  1. Mursalimov S., Sidorchuk Yu., Deineko E. (2013) New insights into cytomixis: specific cellular features and prevalence in higher plants. Planta. 238:415–423.
  2. Arnoldy W (1900) Beiträge zur Morphologie der Gymnospermen. IV. Was sind die “Keimbläschen” oder “Hofmeisters-Körperchen” in der Eizelle der Abietineen? Flora 87:194–204.
  3. Gates RR (1911) Pollen formation in Oenothera gigas. Ann Bot 25:909–940.
  4. Guzicka M, Wozny A (2005) Cytomixis in shoot apex of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.]. Trees 18:722–724.
  5. Wang XY, Yu CH, Li X, et al. (2004) Ultrastructural aspects and possible origin of cytoplasmic channels providing intercellular connection in vegetative tissues of anthers. Russ J Plant Physiol 51:110–120.
  6. Lattoo SK, Khan S, Bamotra S, Dhar AK (2006) Cytomixis impairs meiosis and influences reproductive success in Chlorophytum comosum (Thunb) Jacq. – an additional strategy and possible implications. J Biosci 31:629–637.
  7. Kumar P, Singhal VK, Kaur D, Kaur S (2010) Cytomixis and associated meiotic abnormalities affecting pollen fertility in Clematis orientalis. Biologia Plantarum 54:181–184.
  8. Falistocco E, Tosti N, Falcinelli M (1995) Cytomixis in pollen mother cells of diploid Dactylis, one of the origins of 2n gametes. J Hered 86:448–453.
  9. Negron-Ortiz V (2007) Chromosome numbers, nuclear dna content, and polyploidy in Consolea (Cactaceae), an endemic cactus of the Caribbean Islands. Am J Bot 94:1360–1370.
  10. Singhal VK, Kumar P (2008) Impact of cytomixis on meiosis, pollen viability and pollen size in wild populations of Himalayan poppy (Meconopsis aculeata Royle). J Biosci 33:371–380.
  11. Singhal VK, Rana PK, Kumar P, Kaur D (2011) Persistent occurrence of meiotic abnormalities in a new hexaploid cytotype of Thalictrum foetidum from Indian cold deserts. Biologia 66:458–464.
  12. Mursalimov S., Sidorchuk Yu., Deineko E. (2013) New insights into cytomixis: specific cellular features and prevalence in higher plants. Planta. 238:415–423.