Cytogeographical study of four aneuploids ofCarex oxyandra Kudo in Japan

Chromosome numbers were determined for 342 clones ofCarex oxyandra collected from 35 localities in Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, Japan. Four intraspecific aneuploids, 2n=18, 20, 24 and 26, were found. In meiotic division, only bivalent chromosomes were observed in all clones at metaphases I and II, suggesting that the aneuploids are established gamodemes. In the mitotic metaphase chromosomes, trimodal variation in chromosome length was observed. The 2n=26 clones found on Mt. Hiko had two particularly small chromosomes. The cytodemes with higher number of chromosomes are distributed in more southern areas of Japan.Carex oxyandra, therefore, accompanied with chromosome fragmentations, might spread the geographical distribution to the southern parts. The morphological characters of leaves, spikes, scales, perigynia and nuts were similar among the four cytodemes, except for the small leaves on plants from Yaku Island.     

The origin of an unusual sex chromosome constitution in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acomys</Emphasis> sp. (Rodentia,Muridae) from Tanzania

This paper describes a case which presents an evident variation from the “standard” XX/XY sex chromosomal constitution in a rodent, Acomys sp. This species known to be found in three localities of East Africa has only recently been separated from A. spinosissimus, its closest relative. In our study, five specimens of Acomys sp. and eight specimens of A. spinosissimus were live-trapped in five localities. Comparisons between the two taxa assed by G- banding show a complete homology in the chromosomal shape and banding pattern for 29 pairs of chromosomes corresponding to the complete autosomal set of A. spinosissimus. However, while all the A. spinosissimus analysed have 2n = 60 and a XY-XX system, in Acomys sp. males and females constitute mosaics for sex chromosomes in the bone marrow cells. Females (2n = 59, 60) have an excess (97%) of aneuploid cells with one single giant X chromosome, and males (2n = 60, 61) show X0/XY cells occurring in somatic tissues and XY cells in the germinal lineage. In addition, an odd heterochromatic submetacentric chromosome was identified in all the cells examined in two males and a female of Acomys sp. Since this chromosome was not related to sex determination and it is not present in all the analysed specimens, it can be considered as a B chromosome. Finally, the in situ fluorescence hybridisation (FISH) with telomeric probes showed a very intense interstitial telomeric signal (ITS) at the medial part on the long heterochromatic arm of the X chromosome. This could be due to recent chromosomal rearrangement.     

Chromosomal variation and evolution in Lycoris (Amaryllidaceae) I. Intraspecific variation in the karyotype of Lycoris chinensis Traub

In 188 bulbs from five populations of Lycoris chinensis from Anhui province, China, several chromosomal variations have been discovered. Although their frequencies are low, some rearranged chromosomes which are aberrant have been found. The aberrants are: (1) small metacentrics (m′); (2) submetacentrics (sm); (3) subtelocentrics (st); (4) acrocentrics (t); and (5) satellite chromosomes (SAT). All can be easily suspected as being derived from telocentric chromosomes (T type chromosomes). Some individuals having one or more B chromosomes have been found, and intrapopulational variation of B chromosomes in number has also been observed. Because of having B chromosome, L. chinensis has some different chromosome complement numbers: 2n?=?16, 2n?=?16?+?1B, 2n?=?16?+?2B, 2n?=?16?+?3B, and 2n?=?16?+?5B. In addition, a new triploid karyotype composed of 3n?=?24?=?9m?+?11t(2SAT)?+?4T chromosomes has been found. Vegetative propagation is an efficient means of perpetuating the aberrant chromosomes and the triploids.     

Relative effects of climate change, isolation and competition on body-size evolution in the Japanese field mouse, Apodemus argenteus

Aim This paper examines body size variation in both recent and Quaternary populations of the Japanese field mouse Apodemus argenteus in order to assess the relative effects on body size of climate change, isolation and competitive interactions with its congeneric A. speciosus. Both temporal (since the Last Glacial Maximum, LGM) and spatial (over the Japanese archipelago) scales are considered. Location The small field mouse is widespread in Japan, and the specimens examined were collected from 10 localities on islands of widely differing area (from 4 km² to 230,510 km²) and at latitudes ranging from 30.3° N to 45.1° N. Methods The effects of geographical factors such as latitude and island area on the size variation of A. argenteus were investigated, using the lower incisor size. In addition, the size of some specimens from two Quaternary localities was compared with the size of the extant specimens. Evolutionary rates of size change since the LGM were calculated in darwins. Hutchinson size ratios were used to examine the pattern of variation of the size segregation between the two Japanese field mice, A. argenteus and A. speciosus, in relation to time and space. Results There was a negative relationship between size and latitude among living A. argenteus populations. In addition, there was no effect of island area on body size, especially at higher latitudes. At lower latitudes, A. argenteus were larger on smaller islands, although this trend was not statistically significant. Quaternary specimens of A. argenteus were smaller in size than their living representatives. The interspecific size ratio between the two Japanese Apodemus was larger on smaller islands and at higher latitudes, and there has been a decrease in the size ratio between the two Apodemus since the LGM. Lastly, in accordance with the theory of character displacement, the small A. argenteus was larger in allopatry than in sympatry, whereas the large A. speciosus was smaller in allopatry than in sympatry. Main conclusions These results indicate that A. argenteus does not conform to Bergmann's rule or to the island rule. The variation in size for the small Japanese field mouse at both spatial and temporal scales may be related to climate change, with an additional effect of competition with the large field mouse, especially on smaller islands. The size convergence between the two Japanese Apodemus observed over the last 21,000 years may be explained by the diminution of available food resources due to the reduction of land mass areas following the LGM. It may also be the result of an evolution towards an optimal body size; a hypothesis previously proposed to explain the evolution of body size in island mammals. Lastly, the evolutionary rates of body size calculated for A. argenteus since the LGM are typical of rates calculated for other Quaternary mainland mammals, thus suggesting that the evolution in this species was not particularly rapid, as is often thought for island mammals.     

Delimiting the Origin of a B Chromosome by FISH Mapping,Chromosome Painting and DNA Sequence Analysis in Astyanax paranae (Teleostei,Characiformes)

Supernumerary (B) chromosomes have been shown to contain a wide variety of repetitive sequences. For this reason, fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) is a useful tool for ascertaining the origin of these genomic elements, especially when combined with painting from microdissected B chromosomes. In order to investigate the origin of B chromosomes in the fish species Astyanax paranae, these two approaches were used along with PCR amplification of specific DNA sequences obtained from the B chromosomes and its comparison with those residing in the A chromosomes. Remarkably, chromosome painting with the one-arm metacentric B chromosome probe showed hybridization signals on entire B chromosome, while FISH mapping revealed the presence of H1 histone and 18S rDNA genes symmetrically placed in both arms of the B chromosome. These results support the hypothesis that the B chromosome of A. paranae is an isochromosome. Additionally, the chromosome pairs Nos. 2 or 23 are considered the possible B chromosome ancestors since both contain syntenic H1 and 18S rRNA sequences. The analysis of DNA sequence fragments of the histone and rRNA genes obtained from the microdissected B chromosomes showed high similarity with those obtained from 0B individuals, which supports the intraspecific origin of B chromosomes in A. paranae. Finally, the population hereby analysed showed a female-biased B chromosome presence suggesting that B chromosomes in this species could influence sex determinism.     

Chromosomal rearrangements as the source of variation in the number of chromosomes in Pseudis (Amphibia, Anura)

A cytogenetic study of Pseudis specimens from three localities in Rio Grande do Sul State, the southernmost Brazilian, was performed to identify karyotypic characteristics that could account for differences in vocalization pattern and body size. Individuals from around Tainhas were compared to those of São Jerônimo and Eldorado do Sul. Specimens from these latter two localities were identified as Pseudis minuta, while those from the former were classified as Pseudis sp. (aff. minuta). The populations from São Jerônimo and Eldorado do Sul had 2n?=?24 chromosomes, classified as metacentric, submetacentric and subtelocentric. The population from Tainhas had 2n?=?28 chromosomes, with four pairs of telocentric chromosomes. Modelling of these 28 chromosomes and testing for fusion in the centromeric/telomeric regions yielded a karyotype of 2n?=?24 chromosomes, similar to that of the other populations. The similarity was reinforced by the location of the NORs and heterochromatin. The Tainhas population showed an increase in heterochromatin, as seen by the presence of additional C-bands, especially in the telocentric chromosomes. These data suggest that the two karyotypes described in this work had a common ancestry. There is evidence that the differentiation of these karyotypes may have occurred by chromosome fission and heterochromatin addition. Based on the present karyotype (2n?=?28) and on morphological and vocalization studies by other researchers, we conclude that the Tainhas population may represent a new species.     

Chromosomal evidence for sibling species of the malaria vector Anopheles cruzii.

An analysis of the ovarian polytene chromosomes of Anopheles cruzii from three localities in Southeast Brazil revealed the existence of two genetic entities within this morphologically uniform taxon. These cryptic species differed in the banding patterns of the X chromosome and 3L arm. A pattern of bands that cannot be explained by the fixation of any of the known inversions in chromosome X was revealed and named chromosomal form B to distinguish it from the standard pattern of this X chromosome, form A. Each chromosomal form is characterized by a different set of inversions. The lack of heterozygotes (A/B) for these X chromosome forms in populations where both forms coexist is evidence of absence or limited gene flow between the two groups.     

Evidence for Emergence of Sex-Determining Gene(s) in a Centromeric Region in Vasconcellea parviflora

Sex chromosomes have been studied in many plant and animal species. However, few species are suitable as models to study the evolutionary histories of sex chromosomes. We previously demonstrated that papaya (Carica papaya) (2n = 2x = 18), a fruit tree in the family Caricaceae, contains recently emerged but cytologically heteromorphic X/Y chromosomes. We have been intrigued by the possible presence and evolution of sex chromosomes in other dioecious Caricaceae species. We selected a set of 22 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones that are distributed along the papaya X/Y chromosomes. These BACs were mapped to the meiotic pachytene chromosomes of Vasconcellea parviflora (2n = 2x = 18), a species that diverged from papaya ∼27 million years ago. We demonstrate that V. parviflora contains a pair of heteromorphic X/Y chromosomes that are homologous to the papaya X/Y chromosomes. The comparative mapping results revealed that the male-specific regions of the Y chromosomes (MSYs) probably initiated near the centromere of the Y chromosomes in both species. The two MSYs, however, shared only a small chromosomal domain near the centromere in otherwise rearranged chromosomes. The V. parviflora MSY expanded toward the short arm of the chromosome, whereas the papaya MSY expanded in the opposite direction. Most BACs mapped to papaya MSY were not located in V. parviflora MSY, revealing different DNA compositions in the two MSYs. These results suggest that mutation of gene(s) in the centromeric region may have triggered sex chromosome evolution in these plant species.     

A chromosomal study on Greek populations of the genusApodemus (Rodentia, Murinae) reveals new data on B chromosome distribution

During this study, 94 specimens (51 males, 43 females) of the wood mouseApodemus sylvaticus (Linnaeus, 1758), the yellow-necked mouseA. flavicollis (Melchior, 1834) and the western broad-toothed mouseA. epimelas (Nehring, 1902) from 20 localities of Greece were karyologically examined. The first two species were found to be widely distributed and their otherwise very similar karyotype (2n=48, FN=48) could be clearly distinguished, based on C-banding pattern. The third species appeared to have a more limited geographical distribution and its karyotype was distinguished from that of the previous two species, since it contained two pairs of small metacentric autosomes (2n=48, FN=52). The chromosomal study further revealed that nine individuals ofA. flavicollis possessed supernumerary B chromosomes (2n=49–50, FN=49–50). Meiotic chromosome preparations revealed that in contrast to sex chromosomes and autosomes, B chromosomes do not participate in bivalent formation. On the other hand, no supernumerary chromosomes were found in the studiedA. sylvaticus andA. epimelas material.     

Chromosome number and secondary chromosomal associations in wild populations of Geranium pratense L. from the cold deserts of Lahaul-Spiti (India)

In this work we studied the meiotic chromosome number and details of secondary chromosomal associations recorded for the first time in Geranium pratense L. from the alpine environments in the cold deserts of Lahaul-Spiti (India). All the presently studied individuals of the species existed at 4x level (x = 14). The present chromosome count of n = 28 in the species adds a new cytotype to the already existing diploid chromosome count of 2n = 28 from the Eastern Himalayas and outside of India. Out of the six accessions scored presently four showed normal meiotic course. However, two accessions investigated from Mud, 3800 m and Koksar, 3140 m depicted abnormal meiotic course due to the presence of multivalents and univalents, and secondary associations of bivalents/chromosomes. The secondary chromosomal associations in the species existed among bivalents/chromosomes were noticed in the PMCs at prophase-I (diakinesis) and persisted till the separation of sister chromatids at M-II. The variation in the number of bivalents/chromosomes involved in the secondary associations at M-I (2–8) and A-I/M-II (2–12) has also been recorded. The occurrence of such secondary associations of bivalents/chromosomes in G. pratense which existed at 4x level indicated the secondary polyploid nature of the species.     

Karyotype variability in species of the genus Zephyranthes Herb. (Amaryllidaceae�CHippeastreae)

In this work, the cytotaxonomic implications of the chromosomal characterization of cultivated and native Zephyranthes species described in northeastern Brazil were studied. All individuals had karyotype formed by a set of metacentric chromosomes, in addition to submetacentric and acrocentric chromosomes. In Zephyranthes robusta, 2n?=?12 was observed and karyotype with formula?4M?+?2SM in somatic cells, representing the most symmetric karyotype among the investigated species. Z.?sylvatica showed three different chromosome complement numbers: 2n?=?12 with formula?1M?+?5SM, 2n?=?12?+?1B with 1M?+?5SM?+?(1B), and 2n?=?18 formed by cracks. The cultivated species Z.?rosea Lindl. presented 2n?=?24 with 4M?+?7SM?+?1A, however Z.?grandiflora Lindl. showed the same chromosome number with 2M?+?5SM?+?5A. Zephyranthes aff. rosea Lindl. presented 2n?=?25 with one small metacentric forming a crack in the fourth metacentric pair. Z.?brachyandra has 2n?=?24?+?(1B) and formula?4M?+?3SM?+?5A?+?(1B). Z.?candida Herb. presented 2n?=?38 and karyotype formula?9M?+?10SM. In Habranthus itaobinus numerical variation was observed, with the majority of populations showing a chromosome complement composed of 2n?=?44?+?1B with 5M?+?12SM?+?5A?+?(1B), or 2n?=?44?+?3B in a single population. Mechanisms involved in the formation of these karyotypes from chromosomal imbalance data are discussed. Taken together, data from this study only partially confirm previous counts for epithets and further enhance the cytological variability data previously reported for the genus.     

Cytological studies on meiotic configurations of intraspecific aneuploids ofCarex blepharicarpa (Cyperaceae) in Japan

Chromosome configurations at meiotic metaphase I ofCarex blepharicarpa were determined for 245 individuals collected from 11 localities in the Chugoku District of Japan. Nine intraspecific aneuploids, 2n=26–33 and 41, were found. The most common diploid number was 29, and found in 73 individuals. No clear geographical pattern was suggested by a distribution of these aneuploids. A consecutive series of chromosome numbers from 2n=26 to 32 was found in two populations from Okayama Prefecture. At meiotic metaphase I, univalents and multivalents were found, and one to three trivalents were observed in each aneuploid. Heteromorphic chain trivalents comprising large, medium and small chromosomes were prevalent. Homomorphic trivalents, which are thought to be originated from chromosome duplications caused by unreduced gametes, were found in only one individual with 2n=41. The high frequency of heteromorphic trivalents in this species indicates that most aneuploidy probably results from fission and/or fusion of chromosomes.     

Mapping of the 18S and 5S ribosomal RNA genes in the fish Prochilodus argenteus Agassiz, 1829 (Characiformes,Prochilodontidae)

A single NOR-bearing chromosome pair was identified by silver nitrate staining in a previous study of the fish Prochilodus argenteus from the S ã o Francisco River (MG, Brazil), with a third metacentric chromosome sporadically bearing active NOR. The present study focused on an analysis of the chromosomal localization of both the major (45S) and the minor (5S) rRNA genes using FISH. The use of the 18S rDNA probe confirmed the previous Ag-NOR sites interstitially located in a large metacentric pair and also identified up to three other sites located in the telomeric regions of distinct chromosomes, characterizing an interindividual variation of these sites. In addition, the 5S rDNA site was revealed adjacent to the major NOR site, identified at the end of the large Ag-NOR bearing metacentric chromosome. In a few metaphases, an additional weak hybridization signal was observed in a third chromosome, possibly indicating the presence of another 5S rDNA cluster. Despite a lower karyotype diversification (2n=54 and FN=108) often observed among species of Prochilodontidae, variations involving both 45S and 5S rRNA genes could play an important role in their chromosome diversification.     

Biosystematic studies on the genusIsoetes in Japan I. Variations of the somatic chromosome numbers

The somatic chromosome number of three Japanese species ofIsoetes, I. asiatica, I. japonica andI. sinensis, was determined in 199 individuals from 49 populations. The chromosome number ofI. asiatica was 2n=22, confirming previous reports. However,I. japonica andI. sinensis displayed a diversity in chromosome number. Six cytotypes, 2n=66, 67, 77, 87, 88 and 89, were found inI. japonica; 2n=67, 87, 88 and 89 are new counts in the genusIsoetes. The plants with 2n=66 were the most frequent (72% of total individuals examined) and were distributed throughout Honshu and Shikoku. The plants with 2n=88 occurred in western Honshu and a limited region in northeastern Honshu where the plants with 2n=77 were also found. In contrast, four cytotypes, 2n=44, 65, 66 and 68, were found inI. sinensis. The chromosome numbers ofI. sinensis were reported here for the first time. The plants with 2n=44 occurred only in Kyushu, while the plants with 2n=66 were found throughout a large area of western Japan.     

Prevalence of Antibodies to Borrelia Spirochetes among Wild Small Rodents in Central and Western Japan

Field rodents serve as a reservoir for Lyme disease spirochetes. To evaluate the antibody responses of rodents against different Borrelia species in relation to fauna of vector ticks feeding on them, we examined 272 sera of wild rodents, Apodemus speciosus, A. argenteus, and Eothenomys smithii, obtained in 27 locations in central and western Japan from 1981 to 1994. As to prevalences by rodent species using immunoperoxidase test, A. speciosus, A. argenteus and E. smithii showed 29.4%, 11.6% and 30.8% reactivity to Borrelia japonica, 10.7%, 7.2% and 3.8% to B. afzelii, 0.6%, 1.4% and 0% to B. garinii, and 14.7%, 7.2% and 11.5% to an unknown Borrelia species designated as It type, respectively. Each antibody to B. japonica, B. afzelii and B. sp. It type was detected widely both in central and western Japan, but the antibody to B. garinii was scarcely detectable in any area and rodent species examined. Apodemus mice in high mountain altitudes tend to have antibody to B. afzelii or B. japonica, and those in lower altitudes tend to have B. japonica or B. sp. It type. All 13 Apodemus mice from which B. japonica or B. sp. It type were isolated showed higher titers of antibodies to each homologous Borrelia species. The present results indicate that these antibody prevalences among rodents may be associated with dominant Ixodes ovatus and sporadic I. persulcatus on the mainland of Japan, and that Apodemus mice may not be an efficient reservoir for B. garinii. Such a serosurvey is a useful measure to evaluate the natural distribution of the pathogen.     

Polyploidy, B chromosomes, and heterochromatin characterization of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (Fabaceae-Mimosoideae)

Eight populations of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. were investigated using a cytogenetic approach. Here, we describe for the first time details of the karyotype including chromosome morphology, physical mapping of chromomycin A3 (CMA) 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and silver staining of nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NOR banding), as well as 45S rDNA sites. All populations studied showed karyotypes with 2n?=?2x?=?26 small metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes, although some individuals exhibited 2n?=?4x?=?52 chromosomes. Moreover, we observed putative additional B chromosomes in some populations. The CMA banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques revealed NOR heteromorphism on the unique pair containing 45 rDNA site (chromosome 12) while the Ag-NOR banding indicated NORs on both cytotypes. Up to two and four nucleoli were observed, respectively, on individuals with 2n?=?2x?=?26 and 2n?=?4x?=?52 chromosomes and the differences in nucleolar size seems to be directly related to NOR heteromorphism in some individuals. The data present new and important information to understand karyotypic evolution of Mimosa and Fabaceae.     

Chromosome evolution in the erythrinid fish, Erythrinus erythrinus (Teleostei: Characiformes)

The genus Erythrinus belongs to the family Erythrinidae, a neotropical fish group. This genus contains only two described species, Erythrinus erythrinus being the most widely distributed in South America. Six samples of this species from five distinct Brazilian localities and one from Argentina were studied cytogenetically. Four groups were identified on the basis of their chromosomal features. Group A comprises three samples, all with 2n = 54 chromosomes, a very similar karyotypic structure, and the absence of chromosome differentiation between males and females. One sample bears up to four supernumerary microchromosomes, which look like 'double minute chromosomes' in appearance. Groups B-D comprise the three remaining samples, all sharing an X(1)X(1)X(2)X(2)/X(1)X(2)Y sex chromosome system. Group B shows 2n = 54/53 chromosomes in females and males, respectively, and also shows up to three supernumerary microchromosomes. Groups C and D show 2n=52/51 chromosomes in females and males, respectively, but differ in the number of metacentric, subtelocentric, and acrocentric chromosomes. In these three groups (B-D), the Y is a metacentric chromosome clearly identified as the largest in the complement. The present results offer clear evidence that local samples of E. erythrinus retain exclusive and fixed chromosomal features, indicating that this species may represent a species complex.     

Cytology of the genus Artemisia (Anthemidae,Asteraceae) in the Western Himalayas

The present study revealed the varied frequency of natural chromosomal abnormalities in 13 populations pertaining to 9 species of the genus Artemisia L. from different localities of Himachal Pradesh (Western Himalaya). Intraspecific chromosome variability has been reported for the first time on worldwide basis in Artemisia vestita (2n = 2x = 36) and from India in A. macrocephala (2n = 2x = 18) and A. scoparia (2n = 2x = 36). Besides, B-chromosomes have been reported here for the first time in A. nilagirica and A. roxburghiana. Most of the populations show anomalous meiotic behaviour resulting in cytomixis, chromosomal stickiness, unoriented bivalents, formation of laggards and bridges which leads to abnormal microsporogenesis, and production of heterogeneous-sized fertile pollen grains along with reduced pollen fertility.     

Population differences in the expression of nucleolus organizer regions in the grasshopperEyprepocnemis plorans

Summary Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed the presence of ribosomal RNA genes in paracentromeric regions of all A chromosomes and in the distal half of B chromosomes in embryonic cells from Moroccan specimens of the grasshopperEyprepocnemis plorans. The expression of these genes was monitored by the presence of nucleoli attached to each chromosome bivalent in diplotene cells from males collected from two different Moroccan populations and was compared to previous data of Spanish populations. Whereas only the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) on S₉–S₁₁ and X chromosomes were active in the Spanish specimens. Moroccan individuals showed NOR activity in all chromosomes. The rRNA genes on the B chromosome were inactive in both populations. The S₉ and S₁₀ NORs were less active in Moroccan specimens than in Spanish specimen, which might be partly explained by the negative interdependence for expression of the S₁₀ NOR with respect to those on L₂ and X chromosomes. On the other hand, the X NOR was more active in Moroccan specimens than in Spanish specimens, and this might be partly due to the positive effect that the presence of B chromosomes has on the expression of this NOR. The implications of these observations on current models of NOR activity regulation are discussed.Abbreviation NOR nucleolus organizer region