RNA synthesis and heterochromatization in early development of a mealybug.

Microinjection of specific radioisotope tracers showed that DNA and protein synthesis are triggered by fertilization but nuclear RNA synthesis does not occur until the cleavage nuclei migrate to the periphery. In the male, heterochromatization of the paternal chromosome set also occurs when the cleavage nuclei reach the periphery. These results help to explain those of several types of genetic test, especially the failure of typical dominant lethal induction in the heterochromatized set.