Pachytene studies in 2n=14 species of Medicago

Four annual species of Medicago (M. constricta Dur., M. polymorpha L., M. praccox D.C. and M. rigidula [L.] All.) were analysed at pachytene and idiograms prepared. Considerable differences in chromosome lengths and arm ratios occurred between species. In three of the species the longest chromosome of the complement was much longer than the second chromosome in the karyotype. In this respect they were similar to 2n=14 M. murex Willd., and similar types of origins by rranslocations from 2n=16 ancestors are probable. In M. constricta chromosome 1 was not exceptionally long, and different kinds of translocations may have been involved in its origin.The M. constricta idiogram was most like the M. rigidula idiogram, and the M. praecox idiogram was most like the M. polymorpha idiogram. These similarities support present taxonomic classification. However, the great similarity of the M. polymorpha idiogram to that previously deseribed for 2n=14 M. murex was unexpected, as these two species are usually classified in different subsections of the genus. A closer relationship is suggested. Evidence was found in M. polymorpha of variations in chromosome contraction and differences in karyotype between accessions.Part of Ph.D. Thesis at Dept. of Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.     

我国入侵植物薇甘菊(菊科)的细胞学研究

为了解入侵植物薇甘菊(Mikania micrantha)的细胞学特性,研究了薇甘菊在我国广东东南部4居群和台湾2居群的染色体数目和染色体形态。结果表明,所有居群的薇甘菊染色体数目均为2n=36,第一对染色体为近中部着丝粒染色体,其长臂中部具有次缢痕,显著大于其余染色体。广东深圳大学和深圳水库居群的核型公式为2n=20m+14sm+2st;广东汕头、阳江和台湾屏东居群为2n=22m+12sm+2st;台湾宜兰居群为2n=18m+16sm+2st。此前有报道薇甘菊深圳大学居群的染色体数目为2n=38,推断为制片过程中第一对染色体从次缢痕处断裂而导致的计数错误。因此,薇甘菊虽存在非整倍性和多倍性变化,但在广东东南部和台湾的入侵居群中目前仅发现基于x=18的二倍体(2n=36),该种在这些地区的成功入侵与多倍性无关。     

Karyology and phylogeny of some Mesoamerican species of Zamia (Zamiaceae)

Chromosome numbers and karyotypes of four species of Zamia L. (Zamiaceae) are described. Plants of Z. manicata from Colombia are 2n = 18 with eight metacentric (M), four submetacentric (S), two acrocentric (A), and four telocentric (T) chromosomes. Plants of Z. ipetiensis from Panama are 2n = 23 with 3M + 4S + 2A + 14T. Plants of Z. cunaria from Panama have two different chromosome numbers, 2n = 23 with 3M + 4S + 2A + 14T and 2n = 24 with 2M + 4S + 2A + 16T. Plants of Z. acuminata from Costa Rica and Panama are 2n = 24 with 2M + 4S + 2A + 16T. On the basis of the occurrence of a one-to-two-ratio in the variation of M- and T-chromosome numbers in the karyotypes, centric fission or fusion are considered for their potential involvement in the chromosome variation of these plants. Data deriving from morphology and karyology, interpreted in a cladistic framework, suggest that centric fission rather than centric fusion is involved in the karyotype diversification of the four species and their closest Mesoamerican allies.     

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.     

Microsolvation effect and hydrogen-bonding pattern of taurine-water TA-(H2O)n (n = 1-3) complexes

The microsolvation of taurine (TA) with one, two or three water molecules was investigated by a density functional theory (DFT) approach. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses were employed to elucidate the hydrogen bond (H-bond) interaction characteristics in TA-(H₂O)_n (n = 1–3) complexes. The results showed that the intramolecular H-bond formed between the hydroxyl and the N atom of TA are retained in most TA-(H₂O)_n (n = 1–3) complexes, and are strengthened via cooperative effects among multiple H-bonds from n = 1–3. A trend of proton transformation exists from the hydroxyl to the N atom, which finally results in the cleavage of the origin intramolecular H-bond and the formation of a new intramolecular H-bond between the amino and the O atom of TA. Therefore, the most stable TA-(H₂O)₃ complex becomes a zwitterionic complex rather than a neutral type. A many-body interaction analysis showed that the major contributors to the binding energies for complexes are the two-body energies, while three-body energies and relaxation energies make significant contributions to the binding energies for some complexes, whereas the four-body energies are too small to be significant.     

Chromosome investigations in annual Medicago species (Fabaceae) with emphasis on the origin of the polyploid Medicago rugosa and M. scutellata

Chromosome number variations play an important role in the genus Medicago. In addition to polyploidy there are cases of dysploidy as evidenced by two basic numbers, x = 8 and x = 7, the latter limited to five annual species having 2n = 14. Annuals are diploid with the exception of Medicago scutellata and Medicago rugosa which have 2n = 30 and are considered the result of crosses between the 2n = 16 and 2n = 14 species. However, this hypothesis has never been tested. This study was carried out to investigate the 2n = 14 and 2n = 30 karyotypes and verify the allopolyploid origin of M. scutellata and M. rugosa. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of rDNA probes and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) were performed. FISH showed that all five diploids with 2n = 14 have one pair of 45S and one pair of 5S rDNA sites. M. scutellata displayed four sites of 45S and four sites of 5S rDNA, while in M. rugosa only one pair of each of these sites was found. GISH did not produce signals useful to identify the presumed progenitors with 14 chromosomes. This result suggests alternative evolutionary pathways, such as the formation of tetraploids (2n = 32) and subsequent dysploidy events leading to the chromosome number reduction.     

Karyomorphological study of the Spiraea japonica complex (Rosaceae)

Reported in this paper is a karyomorphological study on one natural population of each of eight varieties in theSpiraea japonica complex. The interphase and mitotic prophase can be classified into the simple chromocenter type and the proximal type, respectively. The metaphase karyotypes of the eight varieties were formulated as follows:S. japonica var.japonica: 2n=18=14m+2sm+2st;S. japonica var.acuta: 2n=18=11m+4sm+3st;S. japonica var.incisa: 2n=18=12m+4sm+2st;S. japonica var.stellaris: 2n=18=15m+1sm+2st;S. japonica var.acuminata: 2n=18=14m+2sm+2st;S. japonica var.ovalifolia: 2n=18=10m+2sm+2st+4t;S. japonica var.glabra: 2n=18=10m+4sm+4st;S. japonica var.fortunei: 2n=36=17m+16sm+3st. Karyomorphological study reveals that the chromosome numbers within the complex are stable, and that karyomorphological divergence between the varieties lies mainly in chromosome size and organization. Based on the karyomorphological data and geographical distribution of the complex, the differentiation pattern as well as evolutionary mechanism of the complex is evaluated.     

Cytology and systematics in JapaneseArisaema (Araceae)

Chromosome numbers are determined from 37 populations attributed to 22 taxa of JapaneseArisaema. Of them, chromosome numbers ofA. limbatum var.conspicuum (2n=26),A. minus (2n=26),A. nambae (2n=28) andA. seppikoense (2n=26) are determined for the first time. New chromosome numbers, 2n=26, are reported forA. aequinoctiale, A. limbatum, A. stenophyllum, A. undulatifolium andA. yoshinagae. Three modes of basic chromosome numbers,x=14,x=13 andx=12, occur in JapaneseArisaema. Precise karyotypic comparisons of 20 taxa reveal that taxa withx=14 andx=13 share 26 major chromosome arms and have an obvious chromosomal relationship. One of two submeta-centric chromosomes inx=13 corresponds to two telo-centric chromosomes inx=14. InA. ternatipartitum with 2n=6x=72, ten out of 12 basic chromosomes are the most similar in size and arm ratio with larger ten chromosomes ofA. ringens among JapaneseArisaema examined. A basic chromosome number ofx=14 is the commonest in the genusArisaema and the remaining basic chromosome numbers,x=13 andx=12, seem to be derived through dysploidal reduction by translocating large segments of major arm of telo-centric chromosome onto other minor arm of telo-centric followed by loss of the remainings including a centromere, and by loss of two telo-centrics fromx=14, respectively. Some systematic problems of JapaneseArisaema are discussed based on new cytological data.Arisaema hatizyoense, A. minus andA. nambae are accepted as independent species.     

Contributions to the cytotaxonomy of the Commelinaceae*

Further material of Gibasis geniculata (Jacq.) Rohw. (syn. Tradescantia geniculata Jacq.) and other Gibasis species collected in the field has been studied. The existence of several species in our earlier experimental material is confirmed. These include G. geniculata itself (2n= 32 or 48 small chromosomes), G. oaxacana D. R. Hunt (2n= 16 small chromosomes) and G. schiedeana (Kunth) D. R. Hunt, which has two chromosome forms, 2n= 10 and 2n= 16, both with large chromosomes. These forms are diploid and tetraploid based on x= 5 and x= 4 respectively and show a Robertsonian relationship with each other. The cytology of tetraploid (2n= 20) G. karwinskyana is confirmed and that of a diploid form (2n=10) described. The recently described G. consobrina D. R. Hunt (2n= 20) is shown to be cytologically comparable with G. karwinskyana, but to differ in significant details. Next, the cytology of G. pulchella (Kunth) Rafin., the type species of Gibasis, is described and also that of the allied G. matudae D. R. Hunt. Both G. pulchella (2n= 10, 15) and G. matudae (2n= 10) show interchange heterozygosity, with complete rings of ten chromosomes at meiosis in some plants of G. pulchella. Preliminary comments are made on the cytology of G. aguensis (Standl. & Steyerm.) Rohw. (2n= 10), another ally of G. pulchella, and on the G. linearis group, where the basic number appears to be x= 6 but two karyotype patterns have been found. A discussion of chromosome architecture in Gibasis in relation to the taxonomy of the genus concludes the paper.     

Isozyme variation and alleged progenitor-derivative relationships in theMedicago murex complex (Fabaceae)

Chromosomal studies ofMedicago lesinsii (n = 8) and its close relativeM. murex (n = 7) have led to the competing hypotheses that the latter is derived directly from the former, or that both originated from a common ancestor. In contrast to the relatively variableM. murex, M. lesinsii proved to be almost uniform isozymically, except that most populations of Greece differed by one allele from plants of the remainder of the range. This Greek variant ofM. lesinsii was indistinguishable from one of the isozyme variants ofM. murex. The greater level of allozyme variation inM. murex was consistent with its greater ecological amplitude and competitive ability. Also, this suggests thatM. murex is unlikely to have originated directly from the less variableM. lesinsii. The data suggest that either both species originated from a common ancestor, or that the n = 8 species evolved from the n = 7 species, a mode of chromosome evolution not previously hypothesized for the genus.     

Cytogenetics of the Scilla scilloides complex

There are two cytogenetically well differentiated genomes, A (x=8) and B (x=9), in the Scilla scilloides complex. The principal cytogenetic types form an aneuploidal series of chromosome numbers, i.e., AA (2n=16), BB (2n=18), ABB (2n=26), BBB (2n=27), AABB (2n=34), ABBB (2n=35), BBBB (2n=36), and AABBB (2n=43). These types are widespread in the Japanese islands, excepting AA which is confined to Korea. On the contrary diploid BB is not known from Korea. However, polyploids AABB and AABBB are known from both Japan and Korea.Plants of the complex do not grow in wild lands or montane regions, but in close relation to man's activities, e.g., in agricultural lands, on river banks, along roadways and railway lines, and in graveyards. Natural populations are, as a rule, a mixture of many different cytogenetic types.The present study was supported financially by a Grant-in-Aid for Fundamental Scientific Research from the Japanese Ministry of Education; No. (A) 0810.     

A comparative map of wild rice (Zizania palustris L. 2n=2x=30)

We present the first genetic map of wild rice (Zizania palustris L., 2n=2x=30), a native aquatic grain of northern North America. This map is composed principally of previously mapped RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) genetic markers from rice (Oryza sativa 2n=2x=24). The map is important as a foundation for genetic and crop improvement studies as well as a reference for genome organization comparisons among species of Gramineae. A comparative mapping approach with rice is especially useful because wild rice is grouped in the same subfamily, Oryzoideae, and no other mapping comparison has yet been made within the subfamily. As rice is the reference point for mapping and gene cloning in cereals, establishing a consensus map within the subfamily identifies conserved and unique regions. The genomes of wild rice and rice differ in total DNA content (wild rice has twice that of rice) and the number of chromosome pairs (wild rice=15 versus rice=12). The wild rice linkage map reported herein consists of 121 RFLP markers on 16 linkage groups spanning 1805 cM. Two linkage groups consist of only two markers. Colinear markers were found representing all rice linkage groups except #12. The majority of rice loci mapped to colinearly arranged arrays in wild rice (92 of 118). Features of the map include duplication of portions of three rice linkage groups and three possible translocations. The map gives basic information on the composition of the wild rice genome and provides tools to assist in the domestication of this important food source. Received: 25 August 1998 / Accepted: 20 February 1999     

Ricerche Embriologiche Sul Genere Thalictrum. II. Embriologia e Cariologia Di Thalictrum Lucidum L. e di Thalictrum Minus L. Subsp. Minus

Abstract

Embryological researches in the «Thalictrum» genus. II. Embryology and caryology of «Thalictrum lucidum» L. and «Thalictrum minus» L. ssp. «minus». — In their development the female gametophytes of Thalictrum lucidum L. and Thalictrum minus L. ssp. minus follow the Normal type. In the female gametophytes of these species several types of antipodal cells occurs such as: their considerable enlargement, formation of many antipodals polyploid or polinucleated antipodal cells. In these various types, however, a rapid regression of the antipodals occurs. In T. lucidum some tendency to a disposition of the tetrapolarized type has been verified. The chromosome number has been confirmed to ben 2n=28 in besides, in the pollen development, many cases of regression of the microspores has been verified. The chromosome number has been confirmed to ben 2n=28 in Thalictrum lucidum L., and has been found to ben 2n=14 in Thalictrum minus L. ssp. minus, a new number in this species, which was earlier reported to have 2n=42.     

Enzyme Electrophoretic Evidence for Diploidy in Japanese Woodwardia japonica (L.f.) Sm. (Blechnaceae, Pteridophyte) with 2n= 68

Abstract Enzyme-electrophoretic variation was examined in sporophytes of Woodwardia japonica (2n= 68) and segregation was examined in gametophytes. Despite the high chromosome number, W. japonica displayed disomic segregation of isoenzyme patterns. This and karyotype analyses indicate that W. japonica is a diploid derived from a base number of either x= 17 or x= 34.     

A comparative map of wild rice (Zizania palustris L. 2n=2x=30)

We present the first genetic map of wild rice (Zizania palustris L., 2n=2x=30), a native aquatic grain of northern North America. The map is composed principally of previously mapped RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) genetic markers from rice (Oryza sativa 2n=2x=24). The map is important as a foundation for genetic and crop improvement studies, as well as a reference for genome organization comparisons among Gramineae species. A comparative mapping approach with rice is especially useful because wild rice is grouped in the same subfamily, Oryzoideae, and no other mapping comparison has yet been made within the subfamily. As rice is the reference point for mapping and gene cloning in cereals, establishing a consensus map within the subfamily identifies conserved and unique regions. The genomes of wild rice and rice differ in total DNA content (wild rice has twice that of rice) and chromosome pairs (wild rice=15 versus rice=12). The wild rice linkage map reported herein consists of 121 RFLP markers on 16 linkage groups spanning 1805 cM. Two linkage groups consist of only two markers. Colinear markers were found representing all rice linkage groups except #12. The majority of rice loci mapped to colinearly arranged arrays in wild rice (92 of 118). Features of the map include duplication of portions of three rice linkage groups and three possible translocations. The map gives basic information on the composition of the wild rice genome and provides tools to assist in the domestication of this important food source. Received: 25 August 1998 / Accepted: 20 February 1999 (Corrected version. Originally published in TAG 99:793–799)     

The cytogenetic structure of Vicia sativa aggregate

Summary The cytogenetic structure of Vicia sativa aneuploid series was assessed by examination of the chromosome pairing in hybrids between types having 2n = 10, 2n = 12 and 2n = 14. Two different karyotypes were distinguished at both the 2n = 10 and 2n = 12 levels. Chromosome pairing in hybrids involved two 2n = 10 karyotypes, indicating that the parental lines differed by two translocations. A similar indication was obtained for the two 2n = 12 karyotypes employed. The meiotic behavior of the 2n = 10 x 2n = 12 hybrids indicated that the parental lines differed by up to three translocations, some of which involved unequal chromosome segments. It has been proposed that the 2n = 10 types were developed from the 2n = 12 via centric or tandem fusion and additional rearrangements further accelerated chromosome repatterning at the two 2n levels. Hybrids between the 2n = 14 V. sativa and the former 2n types had very irregular chromosome pairing and were highly sterile. It has been proposed that the 2n = 14 type is a relatively new evolvement in V. sativa because of its shorter complement in comparison with the other karyotypes. The subterraneous pods of the 2n = 14 type, a characteristic which is absent in other V. sativa types and in the entire genus Vicia, also supports an advanced, phylogenetic position. The 2n = 14 type probably arose from n = 7 gametes produced by the 2n= 12 x 2n = 10 hybrid and the establishment of the row 2n = 14 type was acquired through conspicuous chromosome deletions. In spite of its remarkable chromosomal variation, V. sativa can still be considered, for breeding purposes, as being one gene pool. The wild forms of V. sativa can thus be valuable sources for improving the cultivated vetch.     

Chromosome painting in<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Callicebus lugens</Emphasis>, the species with the lowest diploid number (2<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>=16) known in primates

Cytogenetic studies have shown that New World primates are karyologically diverse and highly derived. The genus Callicebus is the best example of this karyological diversity, with diploid numbers ranging from 2n=50 to 2n=16. We report on Callicebus lugens, which has the lowest diploid number (2n=16) yet found in the primate order and represents a striking example of extreme karyotypic shuffling. To better understand the genomic rearrangements that have resulted in this extremely low diploid number, we mapped chromosome homologies between C. lugens and humans by in situ hybridization. The total number of hybridization signals was 42, excluding the Y chromosome, with a total of 34 syntenic associations not found in humans. This species has one of the most derived karyotypes among the Platyrrhini. Fusion has been the predominant mode of karyological evolution, although fissions and inversions have also transformed the C. lugens karyotype. Remarkably in such a highly rearranged karyotype, the synteny of 11 human chromosomes (4, 5, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21, and X) was maintained intact, even if most of these human-homologous gene clusters were translocated. Other human syntenies, such as homologues to human chromosomes 10 and 16, were highly fragmented. Comparisons of the C. lugens-human homology map with those of other New World primates have not yet helped establish a phylogenic arrangement between congeneric species or link Callicebus with any other genus.Communicated by S. Henikoff     

Cytogenetic Studies in Cochlearia L. The chromosomal homogeneity within both the 2n = 12 diploids and the 2n = 14 diploids and the cytogenetic relationship between the two chromosome levels

A cytogenetic study has been carried out within the diploidCochleariae. This has demonstrated that all the 2n = 12 taxaare chromosomally homogeneous, as are those with 2n = 14. Itis therefore suggested that the 2n = 12 group be recognisedas C pyrenaica DC, with the morphologically distinct specimensfrom France and Spain at present regarded as C. aestuaria (Lloyd)Heywood being given subspecific rank in C. pyrenaica. It isalso suggested that all the 2n = 14 taxa be regarded as C groenlandicaL. Some doubt is expressed on the existence of C. scotica Druceas a species, as all the specimens of this taxon examined provedto be tetraploid with 2n = 24. Genomic analysis has shown thatthe 2n = 14 group is a primary tetrasomic derivative of the2n = 12 group.     

(T2AG3)n Telomeric Sequence Hybridization Suggestive of Centric Fusion in Karyotype Marsupials Evolution

It has been suggested that the karyotype of the marsupials derived from a low diploid number (2n = 14) which originated, through fissions of biarmed chromosomes, the karyotypes with a higher 2n. The telomeric sequence (T₂AG₃)_nwas in situhybridized to the chromosomes of Gracilinanus microtarsusand G. emiliae, Micoureus demeraraeand Marmosa murina, species with 2n = 14, in Monodelphissp., M. domestica, M. kunsiand M. brevicaudatawith 2n = 18, and in Lutreolina crassicaudata, Didelphis albiventris, Chironectes minimus, Philander opossumand P. frenata, all of them with 2n = 22. The probe hybridization occurred in the telomeric regions of both arms, short and long, of all chromosomes of the complement of all individuals of all species analysed. However, in some pairs of the karyotypes of Gracilinanus microtarsusand Micoureus demerarae(with 2n = 14), and in Monodelphissp., M. domestica, M. kunsiand M. brevicaudata(2n = 18) ectopic signs of hybridization were detected proximal to the centromeres, suggesting the retention of this telomeric sequence in the centromeric regions of some chromosomes of these species. Based on these results, it is proposed that the karyotype of marsupials evolved from a 2n = 22 to a 2n = 14, by means of chromosomal fusions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Chromosomal polymorphisms involving telomere fusion,centromeric inactivation and centromere shift in the ant Myrmecia (pilosula) n=1

Detailed karyological surveys of the ant Myrmecia pilosula species group, which is characterized by the lowest chromosome number in higher organisms (2n=2), were attempted. We revealed that this species has developed highly complicated chromosomal polymorphisms. Their chromosome numbers are in the range 2n=2, 3, and 4, and six polymorphic chromosomes are involved, i.e., two for chromosome 1 (denoted as SM₁ and ST₁), three for chromosome 2 (A₂, A₂, and M₂), and M₍₁₊₂₎ for the 2n=2 karyotype. We suggested that these chromosomes were induced from a pseudo-acrocentric (A ₁ ^M ) and A₂ as follows: (1) A ₁ ^M SM₁ or ST₁ by two independent pericentric inversions; (2) A₂A₂M₂ by chromosomal gap insertion and centromere shift; and (3) ST₁+A₂M₍₁₊₂₎ by telomere fusion, where (3) means that the 2n=2 karyotype was derived secondarily from a 2n=4 karyotype. It is a noteworthy finding that active nucleolus organizer (NOR) sites, in terms of silver staining, are tightly linked with the centromere in this species, and that both the centromere and NOR of A₂ were inactivated after the telomere fusion.