1. Homozygous mutant animals displayed increased chromosomal stability in a micronucleus test. 2. The macronucleus begins as a copy of the micronucleus . 3. They are unusual among eukaryotes in that reproduction involves a micronucleus and a macronucleus. 4. The latter is generated from the micronucleus by amplification of the genome and heavy editing. 5. The micronucleus serves as the germ line nucleus, but does not express its genes. 6. Only the DNA in the micronucleus is passed on during sexual reproduction ( conjugation ). 7. The diploid germline micronucleus is transcriptionally silent and only plays a role during sexual life stages. 8. Ciliates contain two types of nuclei : somatic " macronucleus " and the germline " micronucleus ". 9. Defects in DNA damage response can cause increased frequency of micronucleus formation and hence the occurrence of chromothripsis. 10. The cell then divides transversally, and each new cell obtains a copy of the micronucleus and the macronucleus.
