The karyotype ofFestucopsis serpentini (Poaceae Triticeae) from Albania studied by banding techniques and in situ hybridization

The karyotypes of two populations ofFestucopsis serpentini (2n = 2x = 14) endemic to Albania were investigated in detail by Giemsa C- and N-banding, AgNO₃ staining, and in situ hybridization with an rDNA probe. The complements consisted of 14 large chromosomes, 10 metacentric and 4 SAT-chromosomes, a metacentric and a submetacentric pair. SAT-chromosomes from one population carried exclusively minute satellites, whereas SAT-chromosomes from another population also carried larger polymorphic satellites, suggesting a geographical differentiation. The existence of four chromosomes with nucleolus forming activity was established through AgNO₃ staining; however, the rDNA probe additionally hybridized to intercalary positions in the short arms of two metacentric chromosomes revealing two inactive rDNA sites. C-banding patterns comprised from zero and up to four very small to larger, generally telomeric bands per chromosome giving low levels of constitutive heterochromatin. Similarities in chromosome morphology and C-banding patterns identified the homologous relationships of all chromosomes in one population, but of three pairs only in the other. Reliable identification of homologous chromosomes between plants was only possible for the SAT-chromosomes. A comparison between the C-banded karyotypes ofF. serpentini andPeridictyon sanctum supports their position in two genera.     

Comparison of the Giemsa C-banded and N-banded karyotypes of twoElymus species,E. dentatus andE. glaucescens (Poaceae: Triticeae)

The karyotypes ofElymus dentatus from Kashmir andE. glaucescens from Tierra del Fuego, both carrying genomesS andH, were investigated by C- and N-banding. Both taxa had 2n = 4x = 28. The karyotype ofE. dentatus was symmetrical with large chromosomes. It had 18 metacentric, four submetacentric and six satellited chromosomes. The karyotype ofE. glaucescens resembled that ofE. dentatus, but a satellited chromosome pair was replaced by a morphologically similar, non-satellited pair. The C-banding patterns of both species had from one to five conspicuous and a few inconspicuous bands per chromosome. N-banding differentiated the chromosomes of the constituent genomes by producing bands in theH genome only. TheS genomes of both species were similar with five metacentric and two satellited chromosomes having most conspicuous C-bands at telomeric and distal positions. They resembled theS genome of the genusPseudoroegneria. TheH genomes had four similar metacentric and two submetacentric chromosomes. The seventhH genome chromosome ofE. dentatus was satellited, that ofE. glaucescens nonsatellited, but otherwise morphologically similar. The C-bands were distributed at no preferential positions. TheH genome ofE. dentatus resembles theH genomes of some diploidHordeum taxa.     

Comparison of the karyotypes ofPsathyrostachys juncea andP. huashanica (Poaceae) studied by banding techniques

The karyotypes ofP. juncea (Elymus junceus) andP. huashanica (both outbreeders) were investigated by Feulgen-staining and by C-, N-, and Agbanding, based on a single plant in cach case. Both species have 2n=2x=14 and large chromosomes, possibly a generic character. The karyotype ofP. juncea has 8 metacentrics and 6 SAT-chromosomes with minute, heterochromatic satellites while that ofP. huashanica has 9 metacentrics and 5 SAT-chromosomes only, 2 of which with small, heterochromatic satellites. The C-banding patterns ofP. juncea chromosomes comprise from one to five, mostly small, bands at distal, and terminal positions, while those ofP. huashanica chromosomes are characterized by large telomeric bands in most arms. Banding patterns and chromosome morphology allow identification of the homologues of the seven chromosome pairs inP. juncea, but of two pairs inP. huashanica only. The patterns of both taxa are polymorphic, supporting that both taxa are outbreeders. The karyotypic characters suggest thatP. juncea is more closely related toP. fragilis than either is toP. huashanica. N-banding stains weakly. Silver nitrate staining demonstrates that nucleolus organizers of both species have different nucleolus forming capacities. The presence of micronucleoli suggests that both species have an extra unidentified chromosome with nucleolus forming capacity.     

Molecular cytogenetics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oligosarcus hepsetus</Emphasis> (Teleostei,Characiformes) from two Brazilian locations

Karyotype and cytogenetic markers of Oligosarcus hepsetus from two Brazilian locations in the Paraíba do Sul River Basin (Brazil) were investigated using differential staining techniques (C-banding, silver (Ag)- and chromomycin A₃ (CMA₃)-staining) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using 18 S rDNA and 5 S rDNA probes. The diploid chromosome number was invariably 2n = 50 with 3 pairs of metacentric, 5 pairs of submetacentric, 8 pairs of subtelocentric and 9 pairs of acrocentric chromosomes. No heteromorphic sex chromosomes were observed. The nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were detected in the short arms of the largest acrocentric pair using Ag-, CMA₃- stainings and FISH with 18 S rDNA probe, the latter showing also positive labeling in the short arms of a small acrocentric pair, not visualized by the former methods. FISH with 5 S rDNA probe showed positive labeling in the two chromosome pairs. While the CMA₃-staining exhibited GC-rich heterochromatin segments in two pairs of chromosomes, including those coincided with Ag-NORs, the DAPI staining did not reveal any signal, indicating the absence of AT-rich heterochromatin. FISH with an As-51 satellite DNA probe derived from the closely related Astyanax scabripinnis did not reveal any positive signal, demonstrating the absence of this class of DNA in the genome of the specimens under study.     

A new Chinese species of Psathyrostachys (Poaceae) with notes on its karyotype

The new species Psathyrostachys stoloniformis native to China is described. The karyotype was investigated by C-, N-, and Ag-banding. The new species has 2n = 2x = 14, including 8 metacentric and 6 SAT-chromosomes with minute satellites, distributed either on 3 or on 4 chromosome pairs. The C-banding pattern comprises from one to six conspicuous and from zero to three very small bands per chromosome. Often two bands placed close together appear as one large band. The karyotype suggests that P. stoloniformis is closely related to P. juncea. N-banding produced very weak or no bands. Meiotic analyses of interspecific hybrids revealed a high chiasma frequency indicating that P. stoloniformis has the same basic genome (N) as P. huashanica , and P. fragilis.     

Cytogenetics of Manihot esculenta Crantz (cassava) and eight related species

Thirty-nine cultivars of cassava and eight related wild species of Manihot were analyzed in this work for number, morphology and size of chromosomes, prophase condensation pattern and the structure of the interphase nucleus. In four accessions, the chromosome size was measured and in some others, the number of secondary constrictions, meiotic behavior, C-band pattern, CMA/DAPI bands, nucleoli number and the location of 5S and 18S-5.8S-28S rDNA sites were also observed. All investigated accessions showed a similar karyotype with 2n = 36, small metacentric to submetacentric chromosomes. Two pairs of terminal secondary constrictions were observed in the chromosome complement of each accession except Manihot sp. 1, which presented two proximal secondary constrictions. The prophase chromosome condensation pattern was proximal and the interphase nuclei structure was areticulate to semi-reticulate. The meiosis, investigated in seven cultivars and four wild species, was regular, displaying 18 bivalents. C-banding revealed heterochromatin in 9 or 10 chromosomes. The analysis with fluorochromes frequently showed four chromosome pairs with a single CMA+ terminal or subterminal band and a few other chromosomes with DAPI+ unstable bands. Six 45S rDNA sites were revealed by FISH, which seemed to colocalize with six CMA+ bands. Only one chromosome pair presented a 5S rDNA site. The maximum nucleoli number observed per nucleus was also six. These data suggest that all Manihot species present a very similar chromosome complement.     

Chromosomal localization of a tandemly repeated DNA sequence in Trifolium repens L

INTRoDUCTIoNlYho1iumrePensL,whiteclover,isaneconomicallyimportantplantspeciesintemperatepastures.Asbrieflyreportedby[1],ithas16pairsofchromosomes(2n=32).Asyet,nodetailedcytologicalexaminationofthisspecies,suchasC-banding,hasbeenrep0rted.Inthelastdecade,thetechnique0fC-bandinghasbeenusedt0examinehighlyrepeatedsequencesinplantchrom0s0mesandhasprovidedausefultoolf0rtheanalysis0fcyt0geneticstructureincr0pplants[2-71.Inplants,thechr0m0s0mall0calizationofhighlyrepeatedDNAsequencesbyinsituhybr…     

Standard Giemsa C-banded karyotype of Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea) and its use in identification of a deletion-translocation heterozygote.

Ten accessions of Russian wildrye, Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski (2n = 2x = 14; NsNs), collected from different geographical regions were analyzed using the C-banding technique. C-banding pattern polymorphisms were observed at all levels, i.e., within homologous chromosome pairs of the same plant, among different individuals within accessions, between different accessions of the same geographic area, and among accessions of different origins. The seven homologous groups varied in the level of C-banding pattern polymorphism; chromosomes A, B, E, and F were more variable than chromosomes C, D, and G. The polymorphisms did not hamper chromosome identification in Ps. juncea, because each chromosome pair of the Ns genome had a different basic C-banding pattern and karyotypic character. A standard C-banded karyotype of Ps. juncea is proposed based on the overall karyotypes and C-bands in the 10 accessions. The C-bands on the Ns-genome chromosomes were designated according to the rules of nomenclature used in wheat. A deletion-translocation heterozygote of Russian wildrye was identified based on the karyotype and C-banding patterns established. The chromosome F pair consisted of a chromosome having the distal segment in the long arm deleted and a translocated chromosome having the distal segment of long arm replaced by the distal segment of the long arm of chromosome E. The chromosome E pair had a normal chromosome E and a translocated chromosome having the short arm and the proximal segment of the long arm of chromosome E and the distal segment of the long arm of chromosome F.     

Cytogenetic characterization and description of an XX/XY1Y2 sex chromosome system in catfish Harttia carvalhoi (Siluriformes, Loricariidae)

Karyotypic and cytogenetic characteristics of catfish Harttia carvalhoi (Paraíba do Sul River basin, S?o Paulo State, Brazil) were investigated using differential staining techniques (C-banding, Ag-staining) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with 18S and 5S rDNA probes. The diploid chromosome number of females was 2n = 52 and their karyotype was composed of nine pairs of metacentric, nine pairs of submetacentric, four pairs of subtelocentric and four pairs of acrocentric chromosomes. The diploid chromosome number of males was invariably 2n = 53 and their karyotype consisted of one large unpaired metacentric, eight pairs of metacentric, nine pairs of submetacentric, four pairs of subtelocentric, four pairs of acrocentric plus two middle-sized acrocentric chromosomes. The differences between female and male karyotypes indicated the presence of a sex chromosome system of XX/XY1Y2 type, where the X is the largest metacentric and Y1 and Y2 are the two additional middle-sized acrocentric chromosomes of the male karyotype. The major rDNA sites as revealed by FISH with an 18S rDNA probe were located in the pericentromeric region of the largest pair of acrocentric chromosomes. FISH with a 5S rDNA probe revealed two sites: an interstitial site located in the largest pair of acrocentric chromosomes, and a pericentromeric site in a smaller metacentric pair of chromosomes. Translocations or centric fusions in the ancestral 2n = 54 karyotype is hypothesized for the origin of such multiple sex chromosome systems where females are fixed translocation homozygotes whereas males are fixed translocation heterozygotes. The available cytogenetic data for representatives of the genus Harttia examined so far indicate large kayotype diversity.     

Heterochromatic differentiation in barley chromosomes revealed by C- and N-banding techniques

Summary Heterochromatin distribution in barley chromosomes was investigated by analyzing the C- and N-banding patterns of four cultivars. Enzymatic maceration and air drying were employed for the preparation of the chromosome slides. Although the two banding patterns were generally similar to each other, a clear difference was observed between them at the centromeric sites on all chromosomes. Every centromeric site consisted of N-banding positive and C-banding negative (N⁺ C^–) heterochromatin in every cultivar examined. An intervarietal polymorphism of heterochromatin distribution was confirmed in each of the banding techniques. The appearance frequencies of some bands were different between the two banding techniques and among the cultivars. The heterochromatic differentiation observed is discussed with respect to cause.     

Karyotypes of the most primitive catfishes (Teleostei: Siluriformas: Diplomystidae)

Karyotypes of Diplomystes composensis and Diplomystes nahuelbutaensis were the same diploid number (n= 56).The chromosome formula for D. composensis was 16 metacentric + 24 submetacentric + 8 subtelocentric + 8 telocentric chromosomes and for D. nahuelbutaensis was 14 metacentric + 26 submetacentric + 8 subtelocentric +8 telocentric chromosomes. In contrast, the differences in the chromosomal C-banding patterns between these species was large. For instance, chromosome pairs 5,6, and 7 of D. nahuelbutaensis showed heterochromatic centromeres and pairs 23, 24, 27, and 28 were entirely heterochromotic. Diplomystes composensis showed conspicuous C-banded blocks in pairs 7, 24, and 25 (chromosome pair 7 had one heterochromatic arm, chromosome pair 24 was entirely heterochromatic, and chromosome pair 25 had heterochromatin close to centromere). Comparison with other ostariophysan karyotypes (e.g. gymnotiforms, characiforms, and cypriniforms), does not allow any conclusions about the ploesiomorphic catfish condition, because the karyotypes of the outgroups are too variable. A synapomorphy shared by characiforms, gymnotiforms, and diplomystid catfishes is the presence of more metacentric to submetacentric than substelocentric to telocentric chromosomes. Cypriniforms are more primitive because they have more subtelocentric to telocentric than metacentric to submetacentric chromosomes.     

Comparison of the Giemsa C-banded karyotypes of Hystrix coreana and H. patula (Poaceae, Triticeae)

The karyotypes of Hystrix coreana from eastern USSR and H. patula from USA were investigated by Giemsa C-banding. Both species are outbreeders and have 2n = 4x = 28. The karyotype of two plants of H. coreana has 10 metacentric, 6 submetacentric, 8 heterobrachial and 4 SAT chromosomes; two plants differed by having 12 metacentric, 4 submetacentric, 8 heterobrachial and 4 SAT-chromosomes, and 10 metacentric, 4 submetacentric, 9 heterobrachial and 5 SAT-chromosomes, respectively. The C-banding pattern had no or few inconspicuous intercalary bands, but conspicuous telomeric C-bands in one or both arms giving a high content of heterochromatin (16.3–18.2%). The chromosome complement of one plant of H. patula had 8 metacentric, 6 submetacentric, 8 heterobrachial and 6 SAT-chromosomes. The C-banding pattern had between 1 and 4 intercalary or centromeric bands and conspicuous telomeric bands on one or both arms giving a high content of constitutive heterochromatin (16.4%).     

芥蓝和结球甘蓝染色体组型及C-带带型的研究

本文用改进的染色体标本制片技术,研究了芥蓝和结球甘蓝的染色体组型和 C-带带型。两种植物的二倍体均由4对中着丝粒、5对亚中着丝粒染色体组成,其中一对为随体染色体。芥蓝和结球甘蓝具有统一的染色体组型公式:2n=18=8m+10sm(2SAT),但两者的某些染色体在编号顺序上有差异。在结球甘蓝中观察,到4种不同形态的随体。用 BSG C-带方法得到 C-带带型,带型公式,芥蓝为2n=18=CITS 型=10C+2CI_++4CT~++2CS;结球甘蓝为2n=18=CITS 型=8c+2CI_++6CT~++2CS。某些带纹具多态性和杂合性。本文从染色体水平上讨论了芥蓝与甘蓝的亲缘关系。     

C-banding pattern and polymorphism of Aegilops caudata and chromosomal constitutions of the amphiploid T. aestivum — Ae. caudata and six derived chromosome addition lines

Summary C-banding patterns were analysed in 19 different accessions of Aegilops caudata (= Ae. markgrafii, = Triticum dichasians) (2n = 14, genomically CC) from Turkey, Greece and the USSR, and a generalized C-banded karyotype was established. Chromosome specific C-bands are present in all C-genome chromosomes, allowing the identification of each of the seven chromosome pairs. While only minor variations in the C-banding pattern was observed within the accessions, a large amount of polymorphic variation was found between different accessions. C-banding analysis was carried out to identify Ae. caudata chromosomes in the amphiploid Triticum aestivum cv Alcedo — Ae. caudata and in six derived chromosome addition lines. The results show that the amphiploid carries the complete Ae. Caudate chromosome complement and that the addition lines I, II, III, IV, V and VIII carry the Ae. caudata chromosome pairs B, C, D, F, E and G, respectively. One of the two SAT chromosome pairs (A) is missing from the set. C-banding patterns of the added Ae. caudata chromosomes are identical to those present in the ancestor species, indicating that these chromosomes are not structurally rearranged. The results are discussed with respect to the homoeologous relationships of the Ae. caudata chromosomes.     

Studies on the Karyotypes and C-Banding Patterns of Chinese Kale (Brassica alboglabra ) and Cabbage ( B. oleraca var.eapitata)

The karyotypes of B. alboglabra and B. oleracea var. capitata were analyzed by an improved technique. The diploids of the two species consist of 4 pairs of metacentric and 5 pairs of submetacentric chromosomes (1 pair of satellites). The karyotype formula is summarized as 2n =18=8m+10sm (2 SAT). But the relative positions of some similar chromosomes are different in the genomes. Four kinds of satellites were observed in B. oleracea var. capitata. C-banding patterns were obtained by BSG C-banding. The C-banding formula is: 2n= 18=CITS pattern = 10C+2CI+ +4CT+ +2CS for B. alboglabra, and 2n= 18=CITS pattern = 8C+2CI +6CT+ + 2CS for B. oleracea var. capitata. The relationship between B. alboglabra and B. oleracea was discussed based on the chromosomal characteristics.     

The chromosomes of two Drosophila races: D. nasuta nasuta and D. n. albomicana

Heterochromatin distribution and differentiation in metaphase chromosomes of two morphologically identical Drosophila races, D. nasuta nasuta and D. n. albomicana, have been studied by C- and N-banding methods. — The total heterochromatin values differ only slightly between these races. However, homologous chromosomes of the two Drosophila forms show striking differences in the size of heterochromatin regions and there is an alternating pattern in D. n. nasuta and D. n. albomicana of chromosomes which contain more, or respectively less heterochromatin than their counterparts in the other race. — Three different N-banding patterns could be obtained depending on the conditions of the method employed: One banding pattern occurs which corresponds to the C-banding pattern. Another pattern is the reverse of the C-band pattern; the euchromatic chromosome regions and the centromeres are stained whereas the pericentric heterochromatin regions remain unstained. In the Y chromosomes of both races and in chromosome 4 of D. n. albomicana, however, the heterochromatin is further differentiated. In the third N-banding pattern only the centromeres are deeply stained. Furthermore, between the races, subtle staining differences in the pericentric heterochromatin regions can be observed as verified in F₁ hybrids. On the basis of C- and N-banding results specific aspects of chromosomal differences between D. n. nasuta and D. n. albomicana are discussed.Dedicated to Prof. W. Beermann on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Cytogenetic characterization of the Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) from Miedwie Lake, Poland

Cytogenetic characterization of D. polymorpha was carried out using banding techniques such as C-banding, fluorochrome CMA3 and silver nitrate treatment. The diploid chromosome number of both investigated D. polymorpha forms (typical and albinotic) was the same 2n = 32 (NF = 56). The karyotype consisted of 5 pairs of metacentric, 7 pairs of submetacentric and four pairs of subtelo-acrocentric chromosomes. Ag-NORs were located in the telomeric position on the largest subtelo-acrocentric chromosome pair. C banding patterns indicate many sites of constitutive heterochromatin mainly located in the telomeric regions and interstitially in some chromosomes. CMA3-sites were observed in almost all chromosomes; apart from the Ag-NORs sites, they were located terminally on the chromosome arms and interstitially on three chromosome pairs. Sixteen chromosomes could be counted at the diakinesis stage of meiosis. No differences in banding chromosome patterns were found neither between both analyzed forms of D. polymorpha nor between males and females.     

Constitutive heterochromatin, 5S and 18S rDNA genes in Apareiodon sp. (Characiformes, Parodontidae) with a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system

Karyotype, sex chromosome system and cytogenetics characteristics of an unidentified species of the genus Apareiodon originating from Piquiri River (Paraná State, Brazil) were investigated using differential staining techniques (C-banding and Ag-staining) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with 5S and 18S rDNA probes. The diploid chromosome number was 2n = 54 with 25 pairs of meta- (m) to submetacentric (sm) and 2 pairs of subtelocentric (st) chromosomes. The major ribosomal rDNA sites as revealed by Ag-staining and FISH with 18S rDNA probe were found in distal region of longer arm of st chromosome pair 26, while minor 5S sites were observed in the interstitial sites on chromosome pairs 2 (smaller cluster) and 7 (larger one). The C-positive heterochromatin had pericentromeric and telomeric distribution. The heteromorphic sex chromosome system consisted of male ZZ (pair 21) and female middle-sized m/st Z/W chromosomes. The pericentric inversion of heterochromatinized short arm of ancestral Z followed by multiplication of heterochromatin segments is hypothesized for origin of W chromosome. The observed karyotype and chromosomal markers corresponded to those found in other species of the genus.