Abstract
The chromosomes of three commercially important species of veneroid bivalves were studied: Cerastoderma edule (Cardiidae), Venerupis pullastra and Venerupis rhomboides (Veneridae, Tapetinae) using conventional Giemsa staining and morphometric measurements. C. edule showed a diploid chromosome number of 2n=38 and a variable occurrence of supernumerary chromosomes. Its karyotype consists of 12 submetacentric, 4 subtelocentric and 3 telocentric chromosome pairs. The supernumerary chromosomes were easily distinguished by their reduced differentiated size and by their intra and inter-individual variability. C. edule is the first bivalve species where supernumerary chromosomes have been observed. V. ullustra had 2n = 38 with a karyotype including 3 metacentric, 8 submetacentric and 8 subtelocentric chromosome pairs. V. rhomboides had 2n = 38 with a karyotype including 4 metacentric, 8 submetacentric, 4 subtelocentric and 3 telocentric chromosome pairs. Cytotaxonomic relationships are proposed within Tapetinae from comparative analysis of karyotypes of two species studied here and three other species of the same subfamily previously studied.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
