B-chromosomes in the myrmicine ant,Leptothorax spinosior |
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Authors: | Hirotami T Imai |
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Institution: | 1. National Institute of Genetics, Misima
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Abstract: | B-chromosomes of ants (Formicidae, Hymenoptera) were observed for the first time in the myrmicine ant Leptothorax spinosior using an improved squash technique. The B-chromosomes are minute heterochromatic metacentrics resembling isochromosomes. They were found almost entirely in male germ cells and exhibited intra- and inter-individual numerical variation, with numbers ranging between 1 and 12. B-chromosomes were rarely found in female germ cells or somatic cells (cerebral ganglion cells) of all castes, which suggests that the B-chromosomes are unstable in those cells. The number of heterochromatic bodies in interphase nuclei corresponds well to that of metaphase B-chromosomes. The analysis of heterochromatic bodies in female cells suggested that B-chromosomes are maintained in oocytes but almost totally eliminated from nurse cells. |
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