M chromosome of the wild silkworm, Bombyx mandarina (n = 27), corresponds to two chromosomes in the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori (n = 28).

Chromosomes of Bombyx mori (n = 28) and of Bombyx mandarina (n = 27) were studied cytogenetically to resolve the origin of the large M chromosome in the Japaneses type of B. mandarina. In the F1 progeny from the reciprocal cross between B. mandarina and B. mori, the mitotic chromosome number was 2n = 55, and a chromosome configuration of 26 bivalents plus 1 trivalent was observed at metaphase I of germ cells. The trivalent chromosome consisted of the M chromosome from B. mandarina and two chromosomes from B. mori. When males of B. mori were mated to the F1 females, nuclei with two types of chromosome number (2n = 55 and 2n = 56) and two sets of chromosome pairs (26 bivalents plus 1 trivalent versus 28 bivalents) were observed in the metaphase I stage. Linkage analysis showed that the 14th chromosome of B. mori was involved in these two types of chromosome segregation. This result indicates that the M chromosome in B. mandarina arose from a fusion between a chromosome corresponding to the 14th linkage group and another, yet unidentified linkage group.     

Meiosis in Mesostoma ehrenbergii ehrenbergii (Turbellaria,Rhabdocoela)

At metaphase I of meiosis in spermatocytes of Mesostoma ehrenbergii ehrenbergii [2n=10] three bivalents and four univalents form. The same two chromosome pairs always form the univalents. Analysis of metaphase I, anaphase I and metaphase II configurations in fixed testis material suggested that the distribution of the four univalents is not a random process but the correct segregation of one member of each pair to each pole is actively achieved before the end of metaphase I. In live preparations of testis material univalents were observed to move between the poles of metaphase I cells, eventually reaching the correct segregation. All cells observed to enter anaphase I had the correct segregation of univalents. It is proposed that the univalent movement during metaphase I is directed towards obtaining the correct segregation of univalents before the cells enter anaphase.     

辽宁产粗皮蛙的染色体组型研究(图版Ⅳ,下)

用骨髓细胞制片法分析了粗皮蛙的染色体组型 ,结果表明其二倍体染色体数为 2 6 ,可配成 13对 ,有5对大型染色体 (相对长度 >9)和 8对小型染色体 (相对长度 <6 5 ) ,其中 ,第 1、 5、 6、 7、 8对为中部着丝点染色体 ,第 12对为端部着丝点染色体 ,第 2、 3、 4、 9、 10、 11、 13对为亚中部着丝点染色体 ,第 4对为性染色体 ,属XY型 ,X染色体为亚中部着丝点 (相对长度为 10 70 ,臂比指数为 1 72 ) ,Y染色体为亚中部着丝点(相对长度为 12 83,臂比指数为 2 0 2 )。     

Chromosome markers in 12 inbred strains of the Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus.

Morphological details of metaphase chromosomes were compared among 12 inbred strains of rats (Rattus norvegicus) by means of conventional Giemsa staining and by a sequential Q- and C-banding method. Inter-strain variations were found in seven pairs, as identified on the basis of size differences in the short arms and/or satellites of chromosomes 3 and 12 and the X chromosome and in the centromeric C-bands of chromosomes 4, 5, 7, and 9. All pairs were homomorphic in the inbred strains, while F1 hybrids between two inbred strains showed certain heteromorphic pairs expected from the parents. These chromosome markers appear to be useful for characterization of inbred strains as well as for various genetic studies, including linkage analyses.     

DNA cloning and hybridization in deer species supporting the chromosome field theory

The Cervidae show the largest variation in chromosome number found within any mammalian family. The eight species of deer which are the subject of this study vary in chromosome number from 2n = 70 to 2n = 6. Three species of Bovidae are also included since they belong to a closely related family. Digestion of nuclear DNAs with the restriction endonucleases Hae III, Hpa II, Msp I, Eco RI, Xba I, Pst I and Bam HI reveals that there is a series of highly repetitive sequences forming similar band patterns in the different species. There are two bands (1100 and 550 base pairs) which are common to all species although the two families separated more than 40 million years ago. To obtain information on the degree of homology among these conserved sequences we isolated a Bam HI restriction fragment of approximately 770 base pairs from red deer DNA. This sequence was 32P labeled and hybridized by the Southern blot technique with DNAs cleaved with Bam HI, Eco RI, Hpa II and Msp I. Moreover, the same sequence was cloned in the plasmid vector pBR322 nick translated with 32P and hybridized with the DNAs of 8 species of Cervidae and 3 of Bovidae. The same cloned probe was labeled with 3H and hybridized in situ with the metaphase chromosomes of red deer (2n = 68) and Muntiacus muntjak (2n = 7 male). Homologies are still present between the highly repetitive sequences of the 8 species of Cervidae despite the drastic reorganization that led to extreme chromosome numbers. Moreover, the cloned DNA sequence was found to occupy the same position, in the proximal regions of the arms, in both red deer (2n = 68) and M. muntjak (2n = 7 male) chromosomes. The ribosomal RNA genes and the centromeres in these species have also maintained their main territory despite the drastic chromosome reorganization. These results are experimental confirmation of the chromosome field theory which predicted that each DNA sequence has an optimal territory within the centromere-telomere field and tends to occupy this same territory following chromosome reorganization.     

Chromosomes of caryophyllidean cestodes: Diploidy, triploidy, and parthenogenesis in Glaridacris catostomi

Mitotic and meiotic chromosomes were studied in Giemsa post-stained Feulgen squashes of testicular, ovarian, and vitelline cells. G. catostomi is 2n = 20 with eight pairs of metacentrics and two pairs of submetacentrics in its karyotype. The fundamental number of chromosome arms is FN = 40. At mitotic metaphase the mean total chromosome length (TCL) of the complement was 111·4 μm; the largest chromosomes were 8 μm (7% TCL) and the smallest 3 μm (3% TCL). Karyotype variation was not found among five diploid populations from New York State and Canada. Meiotic activity was abundant in spermatogenesis which proceeds as usual with sperm developing after two meiotic divisions. Chiasma frequency at diakinesis was 37/cell; as many as five chiasmata were observed in a single bivalent. A triploid ‘race’ (3n = 30) of G. catostomi was discovered in Bozenkill Creek near Albany, New York. Karyotype analysis confirms the triploid nature of these variants. Spermatogenesis in triploids is abnormal to the point of complete failure. The presence of an extra set of chromosomes has resulted in a breakdown of meiosis with subsequent sterility of the male system. Eggs remain unfertilized and parthenogenetic reproduction is presumed to occur. The possible origins of this unusual condition and its evolutionary implications are discussed. Seventeen figures, two tables of measurements, and a system of chromosome nomenclature supplement the paper.     

Meiotic behaviour of chromosomes 1R, 2R and 5R in autotetraploid rye

The meiotic behaviour of chromosomes 1R, 2R and 5R was studied in C-banded preparations of autotetraploid rye. Analysis of pairing and chiasma formation was based on metaphase I configurations, using the model designed by Sybenga, with slight modifications. Frequencies of two modes of pairing (one quadrivalent or two bivalents) differed from those expected for random pairing. Although preferential pairing for some arm pairs of chromosome 2R was detected, this did not seem to be the cause of the increased bivalent pairing. This increase was attributed to either the spatial separation of the four homologous chromosomes in some premeiotic cells into two groups of two, or a correction of the synaptonemal complex, or both. The number of chiasmate associations showed variation between chromosomes and between arms within the same chromosome. It was closely related to arm length, but different after quadrivalent and bivalent pairing. This is suggested to be a consequence of partner exchange interfering with pairing and, consequently, with chiasma formation, and a different chiasma distribution after quadrivalent pairing. Variation between chromosomes in the frequencies of alternate and adjacent co-orientation in metaphase I quadrivalents without interstitial chiasmata suggests that the relative positions of the centromeres in the quadrivalent influence their co-orientation.     

T-lymphocytes with 7;14 translocations: frequency of occurrence, breakpoints, and clinical and biological significance.

Among 11,915 consecutive patients and 37 normal controls who had chromosome analysis at the Mayo Clinic between 1978 and 1984, 83 had a single sporadic metaphase with a 7;14 translocation. In 81 of the translocations, the breakpoints were at 14q11 and either 7q34 (type I) or 7p13 (type II): type I translocations occurred in 42 patients, and type II, in 39. The two other translocations had different breakpoints: one was t(7;14)(q11;q32), and the other was t(7;14)(p13;q32). All type I and type II translocations occurred in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocyte cultures; their combined incidence was 4.88 X 10(-4) per metaphase (81 of 165,991 metaphases) in such cultures. No type I or II translocation was found among 6,713 fibroblast metaphases, 33,463 amniocyte metaphases, or 68,972 bone marrow and unstimulated peripheral blood metaphases. One variant 7;14 translocation occurred in a phytohemagglutinin-stimulated culture, and the other occurred in a fibroblast culture. We did not find a correlation of sporadic 7;14 translocations with any month or season of the year or with patient age or sex. Of the 83 patients, 78 had various clinical disorders, three had ataxia-telangiectasia, one was a normal control, and one was an artificial insemination donor. Follow-up studies on 64 (77%) patients indicate that, to date, none have developed any malignant process subsequent to chromosome analysis. Except for ataxia-telangiectasia, the occurrence of types I and II translocations in lymphocyte cultures may have little, if any, clinical significance. The biological significance of these translocations may be the association of genes in chromosome bands 14q11, 7p13, and 7q34 with the normal physiology of lymphocytes such as the alpha- and beta-chains for T-cell antigen receptor.     

Meiotic behavior of gonosomically variant females of Akodon azarae (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

The meiotic behavior of sex chromosomes has been investigated in variant females of Akodon azarae, both in pachytene oocytes and metaphase I. In somatic cells, these females have a heteromorphic sex pair, in which the minor chromosome has been previously interpreted as a major deletion of the long arm of the X chromosome (dX). After microspreading for synaptonemal complex analysis, pachytene oocytes show two axes of very different lengths (100:17.1), which correspond to the sex chromosomes X and dX. True synapsis is abnormally restricted (43.3%) between these sex chromosomes; on the other hand, self-synapsis of both the X and dX chromosomes is frequent (60%). Single, nonsynapsed axes or axial segments are thickened. Strong chromatin condensation occurs around nonsynapsed axes or axial segments, giving many of these sex pairs an appearance similar to an XY body ("sex vesicle"). The minor gonosome axis differs from that of the Y chromosome of male meiosis, as the former is shorter (relative to the X) and has a different synaptic behavior. In 17 metaphases I from XdX variant females, only heteromorphic, end-to-end joined sex pairs were observed. These variant females differ from the variant females of the wood lemming Myopus schisticolor in several respects, but a similar mechanism seems to be prevalent in other species of the genus Akodon. Self-synapsis of unequal gonosomes in oocytes is assumed as an escape from functional deterioration, following the hypothesis put forward by others.     

Genetic and cytogenetic analyses of the A genome of Triticum monococcum. IX. Cytological behaviour, phenotypic characteristics, breeding behaviour, and fertility of primary, double, and triple trisomics.

Cytogenetic studies in Triticum monococcum (2n = 2x = 14, AA) were initiated by generating a series of primary as well as double and triple trisomics from autotriploids derived from crosses between induced autotetraploids and a diploid progenitor. Analysis of meiotic chromosome behaviour revealed that, with the exception of primary trisomics for chromosome 7A, the chromosome present in triple dose in all other trisomics formed either a bivalent plus a univalent or a trivalent (always V shaped) at diakinesis - metaphase I in approximately equal proportions. Trisomics for chromosome 7A formed a bivalent plus a univalent or a trivalent in approximately a 1:2 ratio. About 99% of the anaphase I segregations in all the trisomics were seven to one pole and eight to the other, suggesting that primary trisomics in T. monococcum form n and n + 1 meiotic products in equal proportions. The double trisomics and triple trisomics formed 5 II + 2 III and 4 II + 3 III during metaphase I, respectively. A majority of the secondary meiocytes from the double and triple trisomics possessed unbalanced chromosome numbers. All the trisomics differed phenotypically from their diploid progenitors. Single primary trisomics for chromosomes 3A and 7A produced distinct morphological features on the basis of which they could be distinguished. The phenotypes of the double and triple trisomics deviated to a greater extent from that of diploids than those of the single trisomics. Less than 50% of the progeny of all primary trisomics were trisomics themselves. Trisomic progeny were not produced in diploid female x trisomic male crosses, indicating that functional n + 1 male gametes were not generated. Diploid as well as trisomic progeny were produced in the reciprocal crosses and upon self-fertilization of the trisomics. The average frequency of trisomic progeny was 9.9%. The fertility of primary trisomics ranged from 3.8% in trisomics for chromosome 1A to 40.6% in trisomics for chromosome 2A and was significantly less than that of diploids (99.6%). The breeding behaviour and low fertility of these trisomics make their maintenance and use in cytogenetic analyses difficult.     

Karyotype variation in Drosophila birchii

Drosophila birchii, a member of the melanogaster species group of the subgenus Sophophora, is common in the tropical rain forests of the Australia-New Guinea areas. Chromosome squashes are easily prepared from the larval ganglion cells and the sex chromosomes are readily recognizable. The species exhibits a remarkable karyotype variation. The metaphase plate figures, in general, show two pairs of V's, one pair of dots and one pair of sex chromosomes. Variations in metaphase chromosome morphology are found in the X (with four types), the Y (with three types) and chromosome IV (with two types). Chromosomal interchanges between X- and Y-chromosomes Type I are postulated to be involved in the differentiation of sex chromosome morphology while the modification of chromosome IV seems likely to be a result of the acquisition of extra heterochromatin. These chromosome types form seven distinct metaphase plate figures, all encountered in wild populations, thus giving D. birchii the most variable karyotype in the genus Drosophila.     

Meiosis in Drosophila melanogaster

Individual bivalents or chromosomes have been identified in Drosophila melanogaster spermatocytes at metaphase I, anaphase I, metaphase II and anaphase II in electron micrographs of serial sections. Identification was based on a combination of chromosome volume analysis, bivalent topology, and kinetochore position. — Kinetochore microtubule numbers have been obtained for the identified chromosomes at all four meiotic stages. Average numbers in D. melanogaster are relatively low compared to reported numbers of other higher eukaryotes. There are no differences in kinetochore microtubule numbers within a stage despite a large (approximately tenfold) difference in chromosome volume between the largest and the smallest chromosome. A comparison between the two meiotic metaphases (metaphase I and metaphase II) reveals that metaphase I kinetochores possess twice as many microtubules as metaphase II kinetochores. — Other microtubules in addition to those that end on or penetrate the kinetochore are found in the vicinity of the kinetochore. These microtubules penetrate the chromosome rather than the kinetochore proper and are more numerous at metaphase I than at the other division stages.     

A cytogenetic analysis of the genus Neodendrocoelum (Triclada,paludicola) from Lake Ohrid

Nine species of the genus Neodendrocoelum from Lake Ohrid, five from sublittoral and four from littoral regions, have a diploid chromosome complement 2n=32 and show a marked resemblance in their karyotypes, comprising four large pairs (group L), seven medium pairs (group M) and five small pairs (group S). Polymorphism has only been found in groups S. Variations in chiasma frequency in the species of this genus indicate that their meiotic systems are different. In these species the number of quadrivalent were found to be different in metaphase I. The process of speciation of this genus was manifested in the diploidization of autotetraploid species.     

Chromosomal interchange inEleutherine plicata Herb

Chromosome behaviour at metaphase I and anaphase I of meiosis inEleutherine plicata Herb. (2n=14) is studied. Cells with chromosome associations comprising an association of four long chromosomes, in addition to five bivalents were observed more frequently than those with seven bivalents. it is concluded that the ring of four is due to a segmental interchange between the two long non-homologous chromosome pairs. The ring of four at anaphase I showed delayed disjunction, bridge formation and irregular separation of chromosomes in a number of cells while the behaviour of the other bivalents was normal.     

Nondisjunction, disturbances in spindle structure, and characteristics of chromosome alignment in maturing oocytes of mice heterozygous for Robertsonian translocations

To correlate the chromosomal constitution of meiotic cells with possible disturbances in spindle function and the etiology of nondisjunction, we examined the spindle apparatus and chromosome behavior in maturing oocytes and analyzed the chromosomal constitution of metaphase II-arrested oocytes of CD/Cremona mice, which are heterozygous for a large number of Robertsonian translocation chromosomes (18 heterobrachial metacentrics in addition to two acrocentric chromosomes 19 and two X chromosomes). Spreading of oocytes during prometaphase 1 revealed that nearly all oocytes of the heterozygotes contained one large ring multivalent, apart from the bivalents of the two acrocentric chromosomes 19 and the X chromosomes, indicating that proper pairing and crossing-over between the homologous chromosome arms of all heterobrachial chromosomes took place during prophase. A large proportion of in vitro-matured oocytes arrested in metaphase II exhibited numerical chromosome aberrations (26.5% hyperploids, 40.8% hypoploids, and 6.1% diploids). In addition, some of the oocytes with euploid chromosome numbers (26.5% of the total examined) appeared to be nullisomic for one chromosome and disomic for another chromosome, so that aneuploidy levels may even be higher than expected on the basis of chromosome counts alone. Although oocytes of the complex heterozygous mice seemed able initially to form a bipolar spindle during first prometaphase, metaphase I spindles were frequently asymmetrical. Chromosomes in the multivalent did not align properly at the equator, centromeres of neighboring chromosomes in the multivalent remained maloriented, and pronounced lagging of chromosomes was observed at telophase I in oocytes obtained from the Robertsonian translocation heterozygotes. Therefore, disturbance in spindle structure and chromosome behavior appear to correlate with the chromosomal constitution in these oocytes and, ultimately, with failures in proper chromosome separation. In particular, reorientation appears to be a rare event, and malorientation of chromosomes may remain uncorrected throughout prometaphase, as we could not find many typical metaphase I stages in heterozygotes. This, in turn, could be the basis for malsegregation at anaphase and may ultimately induce a high rate of nondisjunction and aneuploidy in the oocytes of CD/Cremona mice, leading to total sterility in heterozygous females.     

Metaphase I bound arms and crossing over frequency in rye

Using a Giemsa C-banding procedure it has been possible to identify at meiosis three chromosome pairs of a local Spanish rye cultivar. Two of these chromosomes (3 and 5) were heterozygous for an interstitial C-band in the long arm and the other (chromosome 7) was heterozygous for a telomeric C-band, also in the long arm. From the frequency of being bound at metaphase I and the frequency of recombined chromatids at anaphase I in the arms considered, estimates of actual chiasma frequencies have been derived. The results have been compared with those obtained in a Fl between two inbred lines. It is concluded that: (i) Although the frequency of bound arms analyzed was similar in all cases, the chiasma frequency was higher in the cultivar than in the Fl plants. Cultivar plants showed a variation in chiasma frequency for the bivalent arms studied which was correlated with the frequency of bound arms per cell, indicating that the estimation for chiasma frequency by means of bound arm frequency has an error that increases with increasing number of bound arms per cell, (ii) Evidence of chiasma terminalization has not been found, (iii) It is suggested that the different rye chromosomes have different chiasma localization patterns, which, in turn, are related with the chiasma frequency.     

Kinetochore microtubule numbers of different sized chromosomes

For three species of grasshoppers the volumes of the largest and the smallest metaphase chromosome differ by a factor of 10, but the microtubules (MTs) attached to the individual kinetochores show no corresponding range in numbers. Locusta mitotic metaphase chromosomes range from 2 to 21 μm, and the average number of MTs per kinetochore is 21 with an SD of 4.6. Locusta meiotic bivalents at late metaphase I range from 4 to 40 μm(3), and the kinetochore regions (= two sister kinetochores facing the same spindle pole) have an average of 25 kinetochore microtubules (kMTs) with an SD of 4.9. Anaphase velocities are the same at mitosis and meiosis I. The smaller mitotic metaphase chromosomes of neopodismopsis are similar in size, 6 to 45 μm(3), to Locusta, but they have an average more kMTs, 33, SD = 9.2. The four large Robertsonian fusion chromosomes of neopodismopsis have an average of 67 MTs per kinetochore, the large number possibly the result of a permanent dicentric condition. Chloealtis has three pairs of Robertsonian fusion chromosomes which, at late meiotic metaphase I, form bivalents of 116, 134, and 152 μm (3) with an average of 67 MTs per kinetochore similar to Locusta bivalents, but with a much higher average of 42 MTs per kinetochore region. It is speculated that, in addition to mechanical demands of force, load, and viscosity, the kMT numbers are governed by cell type and evolutionary history of the karyotype in these grasshoppers.     

Chromosome numbers, meiotic behavior, and pollen viability of species of Vriesea and Aechmea genera (Bromeliaceae) native to Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Chromosome number, meiotic behavior, and pollen viability were analyzed in 15 species of two genera, Vriesea and Aechmea, native to Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This study is the first cytogenetic analysis of these taxa. The chromosome numbers are all n = 25, consistent with the proposed base number of x = 25 for Bromeliaceae. All examined taxa displayed regular bivalent pairing and chromosome segregation at meiosis. Observed meiotic abnormalities include univalents in metaphase I; missing or extra chromosomes and precocious division of centromeres in metaphase II; laggards in telophase I and anaphase II/telophase II. The high pollen viability (>88%) reflects a regular meiosis.     

A synthetic wheat with 56 chromosomes derived fromTriticum turgidum andAegilops tauschii

By colchicine treatment of hybrids between Triticum turgidum and Aegilops tauschii (as seedlings), a fertile wheat plant (SHW-L2) carrying 56 chromosomes was artificially synthesized. At metaphase I of 50 pollen mother cells, the 56 chromosomes of the new wheat SHW-L2 showed a mean pairing configuration of 2.82 univalents, 6.18 rod bivalents, 19.39 ring bivalents, 0.5 trivalents, and 0.14 quadrivalents. Cytological analyses suggested that SHW-L2 had additional 7 pairs of chromosomes from the A and D genome besides the 42 chromosomes of common wheat. The special chromosome constitution of SHW-L2 may be derived from the chromosome doubling by the colchicine treatment of seedlings and then spontaneous doubling of gametes.     

The aurora kinase AIR-2 functions in the release of chromosome cohesion in Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis

Accurate chromosome segregation during cell division requires not only the establishment, but also the precise, regulated release of chromosome cohesion. Chromosome dynamics during meiosis are more complicated, because homologues separate at anaphase I whereas sister chromatids remain attached until anaphase II. How the selective release of chromosome cohesion is regulated during meiosis remains unclear. We show that the aurora-B kinase AIR-2 regulates the selective release of chromosome cohesion during Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis. AIR-2 localizes to subchromosomal regions corresponding to last points of contact between homologues in metaphase I and between sister chromatids in metaphase II. Depletion of AIR-2 by RNA interference (RNAi) prevents chromosome separation at both anaphases, with concomitant prevention of meiotic cohesin REC-8 release from meiotic chromosomes. We show that AIR-2 phosphorylates REC-8 at a major amino acid in vitro. Interestingly, depletion of two PP1 phosphatases, CeGLC-7alpha and CeGLC-7beta, abolishes the restricted localization pattern of AIR-2. In Ceglc-7alpha/beta(RNAi) embryos, AIR-2 is detected on the entire bivalent. Concurrently, chromosomal REC-8 is dramatically reduced and sister chromatids are separated precociously at anaphase I in Ceglc-7alpha/beta(RNAi) embryos. We propose that AIR-2 promotes the release of chromosome cohesion via phosphorylation of REC-8 at specific chromosomal locations and that CeGLC-7alpha/beta, directly or indirectly, antagonize AIR-2 activity.