The replication of chromosomes in the absence of nuclear division and cytoplasmic division resulting in numerous copies within each cell is called endomitosis. Chromonema do not separate to form chromosomes, but remain closely associated with each other. Nuclear membrane does not rupture. So no spindle formation. It occurs notably in the salivary glands of Drosophila and other flies. Cells in these tissues contain giant chromosomes (polyteny), each consisting of over thousands of intimately associated, or synapsed, chromatids.
Example: Polytene chromosome.
