Abstract
The 2n = 34 chromosomes of the inbred line HA89, and the Flamme and Mirasol hybrids of Helianthus annuus var. macrocarpus possess centromeric heterochromatin as established by Giemsa C-banding. This heterochromatin can not be differentiated by fluorochromes such as DAPI or Chromomycin A3, with selective affinity for specific DNA base pairs. This situation probably results from either a balanced AT/GC composition of the involved repeat or the existence of alternating repetitive sequences of opposite base pair composition in these heterochromatic areas. However, there is also heterochromatin associated with the secondary constrictions on three pairs of chromosomes. This heterochromatin appears to be GC-rich according to its response to the fluorochrome treatments, thus indicating heterochromatin heterogeneity in H. annuus. Silver staining reveals the existence of active NORs associated with these secondary constrictions. In situ hybridization with an rDNA probe confirms these results and makes the existence of other inactive rDNA sites unlikely. These results are relevant to evolutionary and breeding studies on sunflowers.
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