ABSTRACT
The present investigation revealed that the haploid chromosome number of Cleome gynandra (Linn) is
n=9 and 4n=36. It is essentially a tetraploid. Meiotic chromosome behaviour in pollen mother cells
(PMCs) in this tetraploid at Anaphase I and II were highly irregular. The percentage of chromatid
bridges observed during the course of investigation in this tetraploid species was found to be 40.35. In
the present investigation the tetraploid species investigated showed 47.60% morphologically fertile
pollens, and 52.40% morphologically sterile pollens. It appears that the high frequency of chromatid
bridges formed (40.35%) and 52.40% pollen deformity seems to indicate that chromatid bridges were
not beneficial to the ecological aptitude of the taxon with regards to its sexual reproduction as deformed
pollens often are nonviable. From the results of the present investigation, it was clear that structural
alterations in the chromosomes due to largely frequent bridge formation appeared to be part of a
common factor contributing to the sterility of pollen grains in Cleome gynandra.
Keywords: Cleome gynandra, Pollen grains, Chromatid bridges.