Karyotype analysis utilizing differentially stained constitutive heterochromatin of human and murine chromosomes

Constitutive heterochromatin of chromosomes can be visualized utilizing a new differential staining technique which was originally developed by Gall and Pardue (1971). The method facilitates the more certain identification of specific chromosomes within and between cell populations of different origins. Marker chromosomes can be identified in established cell lines over many months of serial passage. Chromosomes of similar morphology within karyotypes of man and mouse can be distinguished in a number of instances. For example, the Y chromosomes of both mouse and man can now be easily detected. The hetero-chromatic staining method also permits discrimination between mouse and human chromosomes in somatic cell hybrids, thus facilitating the assignment of gene markers to chromosomes in somatic cell genetics systems. Instances of translocation of centric heterochromatin to other parts of chromosomes in established tissue culture cell lines are described. An instance of the inheritance of a polymorphic variation in autosomal heterochromatin in man is reported. It is postulated that polymorphisms in the centric heterochromatin may account largely for small heritable chromosome length variations previously described in human populations and termed minor chromosome variants.