A Probability Model for Evaluating the Randomness of the Assortment of Chromosomes during Somatic Reduction.

Pollen mother cells with reduced numbers of chromosomes have been observed in wheat, its hybrid derivatives and amphiploids. Models are presented here for calculating the exact probability of the occurrence of any particular combination of single chromosomes and chromosome pairs in any reduced cell. Hence, it is possible to evaluate randomness of chromosome assortment in somatic reduction. Several sets of data reported by other investigators on somatic reduction in Triticum are analyzed, and we conclude that in those instances chromosomes assort at random.