endomitosis The doubling of the chromosomes within a nucleus that does not divide. The doubling may be repeated a number of times in a single nucleus. It occurs mainly in insects, where different adult tissues have specific polyploid numbers; it also occurs in some vertebrate tissues.

endomitosis The replication of chromosomes in the absence of cell or nuclear division, resulting in numerous copies within each cell. It occurs notably in the salivary glands of Drosophila and other flies. Cells in these tissues contain giant chromosomes (see polyteny), each consisting of over a thousand intimately associated, or synapsed, chromatids.

endomitosis A doubling of the chromosomes within a nucleus that does not divide, so producing a polyploid. The doubling may be repeated a number of times in a single nucleus. It occurs in plant tissues.