Abstract

The human bed bug Cimex lectularius is one of the most prevalent human ectoparasites in temperate climate zones. The cytogenetic features of this resilient pest include holokinetic chromosomes, special chromosome behavior in meiosis, and numerical variation of chromosomes, where the diploid number ranges from 26 + X1 X2 Y to 26 + X1-20 Y. It is desirable to assess the nuclear DNA content of various cytotypes for a further detailed study of the C. lectularius genome. Detailed knowledge of the DNA content of this parasite could also clarify the origin of additional chromosomes. The average nuclear genome size C. lectularius with 2n = 26 + X1 X2 Y is 2C = 1.94 pg for males and 1.95 pg for females. There is a significant correlation between genome size and the number of chromosomes, but in some specimens with additional chromosomes, nuclear genome size decreases or remains average. Several species used as the internal reference standard were tested for further investigations of genome size in C. lectularius, and the plant Solanum pseudocaspicum turned out to be the most suitable. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.