[Effect of phytohormones on germination and development of fern prothallia : II. Analysis of the correlations between the concentration of gibberellic acid, induction of antheridia, and physiological age of the prothallium cells of Anemia phyllitidis L].

Gametophytes of six species of the family Schizaeaceae were exposed to gibberellins. In all six species gibberellin can replace the natural hormones inducing the formation of antheridia (antheridogens). This process of cell differentiation was analyzed in detail in gametophytes of Anemia phyllitidis.After an induction by gibberellic acid the formation of antheridia is preceded by a slow-down of the rate of cell division.The induction of antheridia is possible only after a certain state of development of the prothalli has been reached. This critical physiological age is highest at lowest gibberellin concentrations. The relationship can be characterized by a "critical cell number" (as defined in the paper).This criterion is independent of the growth rate of the gametophytes.The close correlation between hormone titer and time of induction indicates an at least change is sensitivity toward gibberellins in certain defined regions of the prothalli during the course of ontogenesis. With increasing physiological age an increase in sensitivity has been measured.