SUPERNUMERARY CHROMOSOMES IN SAXIFRAGA VIRGINIENSIS (SAXIFRAGACEAE)

Acetocarmine squashes of root tips have demonstrated that 2n = 20 and 38 in Saxifraga virginiensis. These contrast with the earlier reported count of 2n = 28 for this species. In several populations supernumerary chromosomes were detected. Both intrapopulational and interpopulational variation in supernumerary chromosome number were detected, with the largest number of supernumerary chromosomes observed being six. Because these supernumerary chromosomes are equal in size to many of the smaller A chromosomes during mitotic metaphase, the presence of supernumerary chromosomes in this species could not be ascertained by analysis of mitotic metaphase preparations alone. During mitotic prophase, however, the supernumerary chromosomes of S. virginiensis are highly heterochromatic, appearing more densely coiled and darkly stained than the A chromosomes. This characteristic facilitated the recognition of supernumerary chromosomes in this species. The similarity in size of A and supernumerary chromosomes during mitotic metaphase and the observation of six supernumerary chromosomes in one population suggest that the count of 2n = 28 reported earlier for S. virginiensis may actually be a misinterpretation of 2n = 20 plus 8 supernumerary chromosomes. Furthermore, these findings and the observation of this same supernumerary chromosome phenomenon in other species of Saxifraga raise the possibility that some of the many disparate chromosome counts attributed to aneuploidy in the large genus Saxifraga may also be the result of misinterpretations of supernumerary chromosomes as A chromosomes.     

Identification of the lampbrush chromosome loops which transcribe 5S ribosomal RNA in Notophthalmus (Triturus) viridescens

The loops which transcribe 5S ribosomal RNA in lampbrush chromosomes of the newt, Notophthalmus (Triturus) viridescens, were identified by hybridizing purified 5S DNA to nascent 5S RNA in situ. The genes which code for 5S RNA were found near the centromeres of chromosomes 1, 2, 6, and 7 by hybridizing iodinated 5S RNA to denatured lampbrush and mitotic chromosomes in situ. These genes and their intervening spacer DNA were isolated from Xenopus laevis using sequential silver-cesium sulfate equilibrium centrifugations. This purified 5S DNA was iodinated and hybridized to non-denatured lampbrush chromosomes in situ, where it bound to nascent 5S RNA on loops at the base of the centromeres of chromosomes 1, 2, 6, and 7. The number of 5S genes present in the haploid chromosome complement of N. viridescens was determined. — The 5S loops were chosen for study, since (1) the synthesis of 5S RNA has been demonstrated during the lampbrush stage, (2) both 5S RNA and 5S DNA could be isolated in pure form, and (3) the localization of the repetitive 5S genes could be verified by conventional in situ hybridization procedures. These methods may be applicable to the identification of other loops, leading to a better understanding of lampbrush chromosome function.     

The Karyotype Analysis of Somatic Chromosomes in Amborella trichopoda (Amborellaceae)

Amborella trichopoda Baill. (Amborellaceae), which, based on multiple gene analyses, was recently identified as the first branch in the angiosperm evolution, has somatic chromosomes of 2n=26 (x=13). At metaphase all the chromosomes have centromeres at the median position. Chromosomes of one pair are longer than those of the 12 remaining pairs, and have a secondary or small constriction. Based on karyotype analysis, as well as a survey of chromosome numbers in two other earliest lineages (i.e., Nymphaeaceae and Illiciales), the x=13 of Amborella is likely to be derived from x=14. The hypothesis that x=7 is the original base number in the angiosperms was briefly discussed. Received 30 May 2000/ Accepted in revised form 22 July 2000     

Comparative cytogenetics of Diphyllobothrium ditremum (Creplin, 1925) and Ligula intestinalis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea)

An investigation carried out on two species of pseudophyllidean cestodes belonging to different families showed very close karyological affinity between them. The karyotypes of Diphyllobothrium ditremum and Ligula intestinalis both consist of 18 bi-armed chromosomes and are almost identical with respect to the relative length and the centromeric indices of corresponding chromosomes. Statistically significant differences exist in the morphology of chromosomes 2 and 4, but they are not striking and may be due in part to errors of measurement. Differences in the absolute length of the chromosomes were noted: the chromosomes of D. ditremum are somewhat larger (from 2.7 to 8.5 μm) than those of L. intestinalis (from 1.9 to 5.4 μm). The results obtained were compared with data existing for other pseudophyllidean cestodes and preliminary conclusions on the karyotypic evolution in that group of helminths were made.     

Chromosome 1 in crested and marbled newts (Triturus)

The heteromorphic chromosomes 1 of Triturus cristatus carnifex and T. marmoratus were studied in mitotic metaphase after staining with the Giemsa C-banding technique and with the fluorochromes, DAPI (AT-specific) and mithramycin (GC-specific). They were also examined in the lampbrush form under phase-contrast before fixation and after fixation and staining with Giemsa. Chromosomes 1 of T.c. carnifex are asynaptic and achiasmatic throughout most of their long arms. They are also heteromorphic in most of their long arms for the patterns of Giemsa and fluorochrome staining and the distribution of distinctive lampbrush loops. The heteromorphic regions correspond to the regions that are asynaptic and achiasmatic. They stain more strongly with mithramycin and more weakly with DAPI than the remainder of the chromosomes, signifying that their DNA is relatively rich in GC. The patterns of staining with Giemsa and fluorochromes and the distributions of distinctive lateral loops vary from one animal to another in the same species and even in the same population. The asynaptic and achiasmatic regions of chromosomes 1 in T. marmoratus extend throughout the whole of the long arms and well beyond the heterochromatic region. Chiasmata form only in the short arm and occasionally in the short euchromatic segment at the tip of the long arms. The staining patterns of chromosomes 1 in T. marmoratus differ from those in T.c. carnifex although, like carnifex, their DNA is relatively GC-rich. The chromosomes 1 of T. marmoratus are more submetacentric than those of T.c. carnifex. In T. marmoratus chromosome 1B is about 12% shorter than 1A. There is a short paracentric inversion heterozygosity in the long arm of chromosome 1B in T. marmoratus which probably accounts for the lack of chiasmata in the euchromatin that separates the centromere from the start of the heterochromatin. In both carnifex and marmoratus, embryos that are homomorphic for chromosome 1 arrest and die at the late tailbud stage of development. The same applies to F₁ hybrid embryos T.c. carnifex x T. marmoratus, and this has permitted identification of chromosomes 1A and 1B in both species. There is no correspondence between patterns of Giemsa or fluorochrome staining of the heteromorphic regions of chromosome 1 and any feature of the lampbrush chromosomes. However, the short euchromatic ends of the long arms of chromosomes 1 in both species are distinguished in the lampbrush form by a series of uniformly small loops of fine texture associated with very small chromomeres. The Giemsa C-staining patterns of both chromosomes 1A and 1B are different in each of the four subspecies of T. cristatus. T.c. karelinii stands out by having unusually large masses of Giemsa C-staining centromeric heterochromatin on all but 1 of its 12 chromosomes. A scheme is proposed for the evolution of chromosome 1 in T. cristatus and T. marmoratus, based on all available cytological and molecular data.     

Isolation and chromosomal localization of a germ line-specific highly repetitive DNA family in Acricotopus lucidus (Diptera, Chironomidae)

. In the chironomid Acricotopus lucidus, parts of the genome, the germ line-limited chromosomes, are eliminated from the future soma cells during early cleavage divisions. A highly repetitive, germ line-specific DNA sequence family was isolated, cloned and sequenced. The monomers of the tandemly repeated sequences range in size from 175 to 184 bp. Analysis of sequence variation allowed the further classification of the germ line-restricted repetitive DNA into two related subfamilies, A and B. Fluorescence in situ hybridization to gonial metaphases demonstrated that the sequence family is highly specific for the paracentromeric heterochromatin of the germ line-limited chromosomes. Restriction analysis of genomic soma DNA of A. lucidus revealed another tandem repetitive DNA sequence family with monomers of about 175 bp in length. These DNA elements are found only in the centromeric regions of all soma chromosomes and one exceptional germ line-limited chromosome by in situ hybridization to polytene soma chromosomes and gonial metaphase chromosomes. The sequences described here may be involved in recognition, distinction and behavior of soma and germ line-limited chromosomes during the complex chromosome cycle in A. lucidus and may be useful for the genetic and cytological analysis of the processes of elimination of the germ line-limited chromosomes in the soma and germ line. Received: 12 April 1997; in revised form 26 June 1997 / Accepted: 29 June 1997     

THE PROBLEM OF PLOIDY IN ECHEVERIA (CRASSULACEAE) II. TETRAPLOIDY IN E. SECUNDA

Every chromosome number from n = 12 to n =34 and also many higher numbers are known in one or more of the 130+ species of Echeveria, and the numerical boundary between diploids and tetraploids is not immediately apparent. Echeveria also is extraordinary for the number and diversity of hybrids that it can produce in cultivation, both within the genus and with species of several related genera. In 42 collections studied, the morphologically and cytologically variable E. secunda of central Mexico has n = 30-32, often with one or more B-chromosomes, and some quadrivalents are formed at meiosis in nearly every cell. Twenty-four hybrids of E. secunda, with 22 species or cytotypes considered diploids, resemble the former much more closely in appearance, and at meiosis 15-16 paired elements (bivalents and multivalents) are formed, never more, regardless of the number of chromosomes, 12 to 34, that were received from the other parent. It is concluded that the 15-16 paired elements in these hybrids are formed by the 30-32 chromosomes received from E. secunda, and that most chromosomes from the other parents occur as univalents, although usually a few associate with pairs from E. secunda to produce multivalents. Hybrids of E. secunda with 11 definitely tetraploid species having n = 34 to n = 68 are nicely intermediate in morphology between their parents, form mostly or entirely bivalents at meiosis, and most, probably all, including five intergeneric hybrids, are fertile. These observations are all consistent with the conclusion that E. secunda is an autotetraploid, even though no plants of the species having n = 15 or 16 have been found, and even though some other species of Echeveria having as many as 34 gametic chromosomes appear to be effectively diploid. Observations on pollen stainability and on second-generation hybrids are all compatible with this conclusion. The high chromosome numbers in many Mexican Crassulaceae that are now effectively diploid may have originated as polyploids that have become diploidized by mutation, loss, or suppression of duplicated chromosomes, segments, and genes. Hybrids of E. secunda, with three other species that appear to be tetraploids, have less regular meiosis, apparently because all of the chromosomes from the other parents do not regularly form pairs in the hybrids. These three species may represent intermediate stages in the processes of diploidization.     

Chromosomes and polyploidy in Lenophyllum (Crassulaceae)

Gametic chromosome numbers of 22, 32, 33, and 44 in five species of Lenophyllum suggest that they may be polyploids on a basic 11, but this number has not been found. Three species have 8-12 distinctively large chromosomes that do not pair with each other in their hybrids and probably belong to the same genome. In hybrids of many polyploid Mexican Crassulaceae preferential pairing occurs between corresponding chromosomes of their multiple genomes, which indicates that they are autopolyploids. However, little or no preferential pairing occurs between chromosomes of Lenophyllum in its hybrids, and its species appear to be allopolyploids. The putative parents are unknown.     

CHROMOSOMES OF GRAPTOPETALUM AND THOMPSONELLA (CRASSULACEAE)

Chromosome numbers are reported for probably all 11 species of Graptopetalum (x = 30–35) and for both species of Thompsonella (x = 26). Plants of two species of Graptopetalum have gametic numbers from about 240–275, more than have been reported in any other seed plants. In hybrids the 30–35 chromosomes in the basic genome of Graptopetalum and likewise the 26 in Thompsonella apparently do not pair among themselves, and the genomes seem to be no more potent genetically than those of other species in their subfamily having as few as 12 chromosomes. Species with these gametic numbers are therefore considered to be diploid. On the other hand, in hybrids between a diploid and a plant with a very high chromosome number the phenotype of the latter predominates, and most of its chromosomes pair with each other. Many such hybrids are fertile. These facts suggest that the high polyploids arose by autoploidy rather than by alloploidy. Nevertheless, they may store heterozygosity at some gene loci and release it in various dosages and proportions each generation.     

THE CHROMOSOMES OF PACHYPHYTUM (CRASSULACEAE)

Eleven of the 12 species of Pachyphytum, all that are available, have n = 31–33 standard chromosomes, or a multiple. Accessory chromosomes were found in some or all collections of four species; some cells of one plant have more than 50 of them. Accessory chromosomes often occur in groups at metaphase I, corresponding to their origin from one to several chromocenters of prophase I. Intraspecific polyploidy occurs within five species, with diploids to 12-ploids (n = ca. 186) in P. compactum and diploids to decaploids (n = ca. 160) in P. hookeri. Although the basic chromosome number is high, evidence from meiosis in certain hybrids shows that the basic 31–33 chromosomes are probably all different: they do not pair with each other and they do not duplicate each other. Polyploids, with 62 or more chromosomes, are probably autopolyploids: they form multivalents, and the chromosomes they contribute to hybrids pair with each other. Three different probable hybrids have been found in the wild, and more than 300 hybrids have been produced in cultivation.     

THE ORIGIN AND RELATIONSHIPS OF LASTHENIA BURKEI (COMPOSITAE)

Lasthenia burkei (Compositae) is a narrowly restricted California endemic closely related to L. conjugens and L. fremontii. These three species differ from each other by pappus and phyllary characters and in geographical distribution. All are freely intercrossable, but L. fremontii forms rather sterile artificial hybrids with its two relatives which, in turn, form fairly fertile artificial hybrids with each other. Lasthenia burkei and L. conjugens have homologous chromosomes, four of which are homologous with four of those of L. fremontii. The remaining two chromosomes probably have reciprocal translocations which lead to multivalent formation during meiosis in interspecific hybrids. Pollen viability is restored in most F₂ generations, suggesting a close genetic relationship among the three species. The evolutionary relationship among these species may be a linear one with L. burkei occupying an intermediate position between L. fremontii and L. conjugens, although the direction of this linear phylogeny is not certain, or it may be one in which L. burkei has been derived from hybridization between its two relatives. Support for the latter hypothesis comes from the appearance of some individuals in F₁ progenies of L. conjugens × L. fremontii that are morphologically indistinguishable from L. burkei (although fairly sterile). The apparently rather simple genetic basis for the morphological characteristics of each of the species in this trio suggests that the morphologically heterogeneous genus Lasthenia may be considerably more homogeneous genetically than might be suspected. Because of the diverse kinds of relationships among these three Lasthenias, possible alternative taxonomies for the group are dependent upon those relationships that a taxonomist wishes to communicate. Nevertheless, the patterns of diversification in this group have led to reaffirmation of an earlier decision that three species should be recognized.     

The evolution of a highly variable sex chromosome in Gehyra purpurascens (Gekkonidae)

A karyotypic survey of the gekkonid lizard Gehyra purpurascens revealed a distinctive sex chromosome system. G-banding showed that the Z Chromosome of males is derived from a tandem fusion of two acrocentric chromosomes of a presumed ancestral Gehyra with 2n=44. Through the application of G-; N- and C-banding, a total of six morphs of the W chromosome were identified. These differ by paracentric and pericentric inversions and, in one case, by a centric shift. The possible reasons for such extensive variation in the W chromosome are considered, and it is suggested that increased mutability of the W chromosome may be a causal factor. In contrast to earlier speculations, this example demonstrates that sex chromosomes can evolve without significant changes in the amount of C-band heterochromatin.     

POLYPLOIDY,DYSPLOIDY, AND CHROMOSOME PAIRING IN ECHEVERIA (CRASSULACEAE) AND ITS HYBRIDS

The 140+ species of Echeveria have more than 50 gametic chromosome numbers, including every number from 12 through 34 and polyploids to n = ca. 260. With related genera, they comprise an immense comparium of 200+ species that have been interconnected in cultivation by hybrids. Some species with as many as 34 gametic chromosomes include none that can pair with each other, indicating that they are effectively diploid, but other species with fewer chromosomes test as tetraploids. Most diploid hybrids form multivalents, indicating that many translocations have rearranged segments of the chromosomes. Small, nonessential chromosomal remnants can be lost, lowering the number and suggesting that higher diploid numbers (n = 30–34) in the long dysploid series are older. These same numbers are basic to most other genera in the comparium (Pachyphytum, Graptopetalum, Sedum section Pachysedum), and many diploid intergeneric hybrids show very substantial chromosome pairing. Most polyploid hybrids here are fertile, even where the parents belong to different genera and have very different chromosome numbers. This seems possible only if corresponding chromosomes from a polyploid parent pair with each other preferentially, strong evidence for autopolyploidy. High diploid numbers here may represent old polyploids that have become diploidized by loss, mutation, or suppression of duplicate genes, but other evidence for this is lacking. Most species occur as small populations in unstable habitats in an area with a history of many rapid climatic and geological changes, presenting a model for rapid evolution.     

The diminution of heterochromatic chromosomal segments in Cyclops (Crustacea,Copepoda)

The chromosomes of Cyclops divulsus, C. furcifer, and C. strenuus, like those of several other Copepods, undergo a striking diminution of chromatin early in embryogenesis. The process is restricted to the presumptive soma cells and occurs at the 5th cleavage in C. divulsus, at the 6th and 7th in C. furcifer, and at the 4th in C. strenuus. The eliminated chromatin derives from the excision of heterochromatic chromosome segments (H-segments). Their chromosomal location is different in the three investigated species: Whereas in C. divulsus and C. furcifer the H-segments form large blocks — exclusively terminal in the former and terminal as well as kinetochoric in the latter — the germ line heterochromatin in C. strenuus is scattered all along the chromosomes. Extensive polymorphism exists with respect to the length of the terminal H-segments in C. furcifer, and with respect to the overall content of heterochromatin in the chromosomes of C. strenuus. In a local race of C. strenuus an extreme form of dimorphism has been found which is sex limited: females as a rule are heterozygous for an entire set of large (heterochromatin-rich), and a second set of small chromosomes in their germ line. Males are homozygous for the large set. In the first three cleavage divisions the H-polymorphism is solely expressed through differences of chromosome length. Following diminution the differences between homologous have disappeared. Feulgen cytophotometry demonstrates that in the three species the 1C DNA value for the germ line, as measured in sperm, is about twice that measured in somatic mitoses (germ line/soma C-values in picograms of DNA: C. strenuus 2.2/0.9, C. furcifer 2.9/1.44, C. divulsus 3.1/1.8). — The data imply that chromatin diminution is based on a mechanism which allows specific DNA segments, regardless of their location and size, to be cut out from the chromosomes without affecting the structural continuity of the remaining DNA. This mechanism may be analogous to that of prokaryotic DNA excision.     

Comparative genetic maps of foxtail millet (Setaria italica) and rice (Oryza sativa)

 A foxtail millet-rice comparative genetic map was constructed using mapped rice RFLP markers and wheat genomic and cDNA clones with known map position in rice. About 74% and 37% of the cDNA and genomic clones, respectively, were transferable to foxtail millet, confirming that conservation at the DNA level is greatest in genic regions. A high degree of conserved colinearity was observed between the two genomes. Five entire foxtail millet chromosomes appear to be colinear with five entire rice chromosomes. The remaining four foxtail millet linkage groups each show colinearity with segments of two rice chromosomes. The rearrangements of rice chromosomes 3 and 10 to form foxtail millet chromosome IX, and 7 and 9 to form chromosome II are very similar to those required to form maize chromosomes 1 and 7 and sorghum linkage groups C and B, indicating Setaria’s clear taxonomic position within the subfamily of the Panicoideae. Received: 18 December 1996 / Accepted: 4 August 1997     

The karyotype of Brachyteles arachnoides (E. Geoffroy, 1806) (Primates: Platyrrhini)

The karyotype of one female Brachyteles arachinoides (E. Geoffroy, 1806) was studied. The specimen exhibited 62 chromosomes, which could be arranged in three clearly distinguishable groups: the first one including 5 pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes, the second one including 8 pairs of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes and the third one including 18 pairs of acrocentric chromosomes. The X chromosome pair could not be identified.This study was supported by grants from CNPq (SIP 04/011), Brazil.     

Observations on the cytology of Bipes (Amphisbaenia) with special reference to its lampbrush chromosomes

The positions and general anatomical and histological characteristics of the gonads of Bipes biporus and B. canaliculatus are described. The amounts of DNA per haploid chromosome set have been measured in both species, the values being 1.83 and 2.0 pg for biporus and canaliculatus respectively. The karyotypes of both species are described on the basis of data from mitotic and meiotic metaphase chromosome sets and from lampbrush chromosomes. B. biporus has 10 macrochromosomes and 11 microchromosomes. B. canaliculatus has 11 macrochromosomes and 11 microchromosomes. The karyotypes of the two species differ distinctly with regard to the shapes of 3 of the macrochromosomes. Chiasma distribution is described for male meiosis in B. biporus. Studies of the lampbrush chromosomes of both species show the chiasma distribution in the female to be generally similar to that found in the male biporus. In B. canaliculatus, lampbrush chromosomes with maximally extended lateral loops are found in oocytes that are oblate spheroids measuring 0.7×1.0 mm along their short and long axes respectively, these being well before the start of the major phase of vitellogenesis. Smaller oocytes have more distinct chromomeres and shorter loops. Microchromosomes take the form of typical small lampbrush chromosomes in oocytes. There are at the most 1,000 chromomeres per haploid set of lampbrush chromosomes in B. canaliculatus. Chiasmata are described from lampbrush preparations in which the two half-bivalents are firmly attached to one another without evident association of their axes, indicating the possibility of chiasmate association between the DNA axes of lateral loops. There are remarkably few extrachromosomal nucleoli in Bipes oocytes, and its is suggested that this may indicate a level of ribosomal gene amplification that is much lower than that found in fish and Amphibia. The observations are particularly discussed in relation to current ideas concerning the structure and function of lampbrush chromosomes.     

Phyletic and evolutionary relationships ofBrachyscome lineariloba (Compositae)

A comparison of karyotypes ofBrachyscome breviscapis (2n = 8),B. lineariloba cytodemes E (2n = 10), B (2n = 12) and C (2n = 16) suggests that these species have a homoelogous basic set of four chromosome pairs, two large pairs and two small, and that theB. lineariloba cytodemes E, B and C are related toB. breviscapis by successive additions of small chromosomes. A pronounced asynchrony of chromosome condensation between these large and small chromosomes has been observed. In the artificial hybrids betweenB. dichromosomatica (2n = 4) ×B. breviscapis, and theB. lineariloba cytodemes, theB. dichromosomatica chromosomes are similar in size and condensation behaviour to the small chromosomes ofB. breviscapis and ofB. lineariloba cytodemes E, B and C. Meiotic pairing in these hybrids also demonstrates the strong affinities between these chromosomes. It is suggested thatB. breviscapis may be of amphidiploid origin between a species with two large early condensing chromosome pairs and another,B. dichromosomatica-like species with two small late condensing pairs. It seems most likely that the additional small and late condensing chromosomes inB. lineariloba cytodemes E, B and C are derived from theB. dichromosomatica-like parent, and that each addition increases vigour, fecundity and drought tolerance, allowing these cytodemes to colonize more open and arid environments. Transmission of the univalents in the quasidiploidB. lineariloba cytodeme E was verified as being via the pollen, and not via the embryo sacs.The cytology ofBrachyscome lineariloba (Compositae, Asteroidae), 10.     

Karyotypic studies in Solanum section Lasiocarpa (Solanaceae)

Mitotic chromosomes of 13 species included in Solanum sect. Lasiocarpa were studied. All species have 2n = 24. The chromosome numbers of S. stagnale, S. felinum, and S. repandum are reported for the first time. Statistical analyses of chromosomes, genome length, and centromere position yielded estimates of karyotype composition and asymmetry. A generalized karyotype of the section shows that most of the chromosomes are metacentric (73%) or submetacentric (25.6%). Two pairs of subtelocentric chromosomes are present only in S. sessiliflorum. Satellites are quite common, characterizing chromosomes for ten species and are attached to the short arms of either m or sm chromosomes. They could be seen in 10% to 70% of the cells. Only S. pseudolulo bears two satellited chromosomes, one of them attached to a long chromosome arm. Although the section is chromosomally quite homogeneous, species can be distinguished by karyotype formula, presence of satellites in a particular chromosome pair, and total chromosome length. There are no indications of major chromosomal rearrangements within the section. Using cytological data exclusively, cluster analysis indicates S. sessiliflorum is isolated in the section. Solanum candidum and S. vestissimum are somewhat isolated as well and have unique karyological traits. Solanum pectinatum has a peculiar karyotype, but in the phenogram it is not particularly separated. Karyotype features suggest that morphological differentiation was not always followed by chromosomal divergence. The origin of the domesticated S. quitoense is no further elucidated by our data.     

Identification of homoeologous chromosomes in hexaploid oat (A. byzantina cv Kanota) using monosomics and RFLP analysis

The use of RFLP markers, together with a partial set of monosomics available in Avena byzantina cv Kanota, has enabled us to identify putative homoeologous chromosome sets in hexaploid Avena species (2n = 6x = 42, AACCDD). We first identified probes producing distinct three-band patterns on Southern blots that possibly reflect orthologous loci of the three genomes present in the hexaploid. Using monosomic analysis, 51 different restriction fragments that hybridized to 26 probes were localized to 12 different chromosomes for which monosomic stocks were available. These DNA restriction fragments were localized to specific monosomics using image analysis to quantify band intensity relative to other bands in the same lane. From these data, we have tentatively identified two complete homoeologous sets of three chromosomes each and two partial sets of two of the three chromosomes. The results indicate that RFLP dosage analysis is useful in the characterization of homoeologous chromosomes in hexaploid oat where nullisomics for many of the chromosomes are not available.Mention of a trademark or proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA-ARS or the University of Minnesota and does not imply approval over other products that also may be suitableJoint contribution of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA-ARS. Scientific Journal Series Paper no. 20 650 of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station