Mitotic Activity in Wool Follicle Bulbs

Abstract

The quantitatIve significance of mitosis in wool follicle bulbs in relation to the rate of fibre growth was investigated in 10 major fleece phenotypes (fine .Merino, medium Merino mosaic, strong Merino, Merino lustre mutant, Corriedale carpet-wool, Corriedale mosaic, Southdown, and Border Leicester). Mitotic activity in the follicle bulbs was estimated with the aid of colchicine and the volume rate of fibre growth was inferred from fibre diameter.