Micronuclei, kinetochores and hypoploidy: tests with some agents.

Micronuclei were induced by treating mouse L-cells with diethylstilboestrol, colchicine and benomyl. These micronuclei were analysed for the presence of kinetochores by using antikinetochore antibody. The three chemicals induced micronuclei which differed with regards to their (i) relative distribution per cell, (ii) relative frequency for being kinetochore positive or being kinetochore negative and (iii) overall relationship between their induction and hypoploidy which in part may originate from laggards expressing as micronuclei. The data indicate that a study of micronuclei may help determine the differences between the actions of different chemicals on the genetic apparatus.