A proposed system whereby a (colcemid-induced) S2 phase is responsible for the tetraploidy found in cultured human amniotic fluid cells.

The results of this study, using cultured amniotic fluid cells (AFC) and colcemid, together with results of several other investigators who worked with colcemid and DNA synthesis, have led to the proposal of a hypothesis suggesting a mechanism by which tetraploidy may be induced. Data from this study of 24,455 mitotic spreads indicate increased concentrations of colcemid, as well as extended exposure times, results in a higher incidence of tetraploidy in cultured AFC, with no concomitant increase in the unexposed control cells.