Agglutination of chromosomes is caused by a mitotic poison called

Options

A. Mustard gas
B. Ribonuclease
C. Azide
D. Chalones

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Agglutination of Chromosomes**:
- Agglutination refers to the clumping or sticking together of chromosomes during cell division. This phenomenon can disrupt normal mitosis.

2. **Identifying Mitotic Poisons**:
- Mitotic poisons are substances that interfere with the normal process of cell division. They can affect various stages of mitosis, leading to abnormal chromosome behavior.

3. **Recognizing the Role of Mustard Gas**:
- Mustard gas is a well-known mitotic poison. It disrupts the normal function of the cell cycle, leading to the clumping of chromosomes.

4. **Explaining the Mechanism**:
- Mustard gas enters the cell and affects the spindle fibers that are crucial for proper chromosome separation during mitosis. This interference can cause chromosomes to clump together, leading to agglutination.

5. **Other Mitotic Poisons**:
- While the question specifically asks for the cause of agglutination, it is worth noting that other substances like azide and ribonuclease also act as mitotic poisons but have different mechanisms of action. Azide affects microtubule formation, while ribonuclease inhibits RNA activity.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer to the question regarding the mitotic poison that causes the agglutination of chromosomes is **mustard gas**.