Constitutive Heterochromatin Pattern Research Articles

Heterochromatin patterns in four diploid Zephyranthes species with different basic chromosome number (Amaryllidaceae)

Diverse species-specific karyotypes have been reported within Zephyranthes Herb., as well as different basic chromosome numbers (x = 5, 6, 7, and 9), with x = 6 being the most common. The aim of this work was to analyze the constitutive heterochromatin (C-Het) pattern of karyotypes in four diploid Zephyranthes species. For this purpose, a cytomolecular analysis of the karyotypes of Z. andalgalensis (2n = 2x = 12 = 4 m + 2 sm), Z. chacoensis (2n = 2x = 12 = 3 m + 2 sm + 1 st), Z. robusta (2n = 2x = 12 = 3 m + 2 sm + 1 st), and Z. pedunculosa (2n = 2x = 14 = 1 m + 3 sm + 3 st) was performed for the first time. All the species analyzed showed CMA+ terminal bands that could be distinguished by their heterochromatin pattern. Interestingly, DAPI+ interstitial bands were also found in the karyotype of Z. robusta. The four Zephyranthes C-Het patterns analyzed show that diploid species have little GC-rich heterochromatin, which is generally associated with terminal satellites, and that AT-rich heterochromatin is rare. The dysploidy evolutionary change between two basic chromosome numbers (x = 6 and 7) is discussed in the present study.

First constitutive heterochromatin characterization and Karyotype of white stork Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae).

The karyotype and constitutive heterochromatin pattern of the white stork Ciconia ciconia samples obtained from Manzala lake, Dimiaat, Egypt was described. Somatic cells of Ciconia ciconia samples have diploid number 2n= 68 chromosomes. Out of 68 chromosomes, 11 pairs including sex chromosomes were macrochromosomes and the remaining pairs were microchromosomes. Of the 11 macrochromosome pairs, no.1, 2, 4 and 5 were submetacentric and pairs no. 6, 7 and 8 were described as metacentric. In addition, the autosome pair no.3 was subtelocentric, while autosome pair no.9 was acrocentric. Also, the sex chromosome Z represents the fourth one in size and it was classified as submetacentric while, W chromosome appeared as medium size and was acrocentric. Furthermore, C-banding pattern (constitutive heterochromatin) revealed variation in their sizes and occurrence between macrochromosomes. Pairs no. 7 and 8 of autosomes exhibited unusual distribution of heterochromatin, where they appeared as entirely heterochromatic. This may be related to the origin of sex chromosomes Z and W. However, there is no sufficient evidence illustrate the appearance of entirely heterochromatic autosomes. Therefore, there is no available cytogenetic literature that describes the C-banding and karyotype of Ciconia Ciconia, so the results herein are important and may assist in cytogenetic study and evolutionary pattern of Ciconiiformes.

Distinct pattern of restriction endonuclease digestion on the heterochromatic components of Sarcophagid flies: An evidence of species-specific divergence of heterochromatin

Heterochromatin in the genome plays a vital role in species differentiation and evolution. To characterize and unravel molecular composition of the heterochromatic regions of the genome in dipteran flies, especially in Sarcophagids, different banding techniques have been used previously which established the banding pattern of constitutive heterochromatin. The present study is an attempt to further explore the base specificity of rather highly condensed C-banded regions of chromosomes using restriction enzyme (RE) digestion along with Giemsa staining, in search of species-specific targets of RE digestion. Different REs such as Apa I, Cla I, Eco RI, Hind III, Hae III and Pvu II have been used to characterize the heterochromatic regions of two Sarcophaga species, i.e., Sarcophaga ruficornis and Sarcophaga argyrostoma. Some of the constitutively heterochromatic regions remain intensely stained indicating no targets for the enzyme cleavage, while some of the heterochromatic areas in both the species show remarkable and distinct digestion sites after the treatment of REs. In S. ruficornis, Hind III digests the entire autosomes including the pericentromeric regions and the sex chromosome; while Hae III and Pvu II selectively digest autosomes and sex chromosome. While in S. argyrostoma, Cla I digests the entire autosomes including the pericentromeric regions; Hind III and Hae III selectively digests autosomes and sex chromosomes. These findings suggest the presence of distinctive enzyme digestion targets on the heterochromatin, which may provide important evidence for the differential base specificity that were previously found to be constitutive in nature.

Genetic analysis of an insular population of Sapajus nigritus (Primates: Cebidae) in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil.

The black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus) is a neotropical primate with wide distribution from southeastern Brazil to northeastern Argentina. Although this species has been described with coat pattern variation, even with intrapopulational differences, and characterized as having the greatest genetic diversity among Sapajus species, there are still few studies on natural populations that contribute to the knowledge of this intraspecific variability. We examined individuals from an as yet unstudied population of Ilha da Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) state, Brazil, compared with published data for S. nigritus. We sought to confirm the species through phenotypic and genetic characterization using C-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization with #11qHe+/21WCP probes for chromosomal constitutive heterochromatin (He+) patterns, and cytochrome c oxidase I and II gene sequences for phylogenetic analysis. The coat presented two color patterns, varying from brown to blackish on the body, yellow to brown on the chest, and white to yellow on the face, besides the presence and shape of the tufts on the head, corresponding to S. nigritus. He+ was identified in pairs 4, 12, 13 and 17, and less consistently in pairs 6, 19 and 21, already described for this species. While most Sapajus species have a large He+ block, here pair 11 was identified without extracentromeric He+, the same as reported for S. nigritus from Argentina. Molecular analysis showed divergence of this population from other S. nigritus sequences, reinforcing a trend already demonstrated when samples from RJ are compared with the rest of the distribution, which may represent an evolutionary deviation.

Cytogenetic analysis of three Ctenidae species (Araneae) from the Amazon.

Cytogenetic characterization was performed on three wandering spiders: Ctenus amphora Mello-Leitão, 1930, C. crulsi Mello-Leitão, 1930 and C. villasboasi Mello-Leitão, 1949. The three species had similar karyotypes, with 2n = 28 (26 + X1X20) in males, with sex chromosomes exhibiting positive heteropicnosis in meiotic cells. 18S rDNA mapping revealed gene sites at the terminal region of one chromosomal pair for all species, with one C. crulsi individual, showing markings in two pairs. C. villasboasi showed markers only in the pachytene phase. The distribution pattern of constitutive heterochromatin was found to be characteristic for the genus, with markings in the centromeric region of all chromosomes, suggesting an acrocentric morphology for all chromosomes of the three analysed species. The results support the fusion of sex chromosomes as an evolutionary tendency for this spider group.

Constitutive Heterochromatin Pattern of Five Domestic Duck Breeds, (Aves: Anatidae) in Egypt

Constitutive heterochromatin patterns of five domestic duck breeds three of Anas platyrhynchos (Dumyati, Khample and Pekin) and two of Cairina moschata (Muscovy and Sudani) occurring in Egypt have been described. Results indicated that although the constitutive heterochromatin (C-banding) pattern of three Anas platyrhynchos breeds shared the same distribution of heterochromatin there was an obvious variation in heterochromatin size. In addition, the C-banding patterns of the two Cairina moschata breeds (Muscovy and Sudani) were approximately similar. There wasvariation in size, number and occurrence of C-band blocks on micro-chromosomes between the examined five duck breeds. This may be attributed to the variation of euchromatin content and its correlation with chromosome size and arrangement of constitutive heterochromatin. Furthermore, it may be due to genome mixing through hybridization between related species and/or genera. The present results have shown that discrimination between Anas platyrhynchos (Dumyati, Khample and Pekin) and Cairina moschata (Muscovy and Sudani) duck breeds could be realized via cytogenetical markers such as presence of entirely heterochromatic chromosome pair no.8 in breeds belong Anas platyrhynchos whereas it was euchromatic in breeds of Cairina moschata. In addition to chromosome pair no.8, C-banding pattern of autosome pair no.3 and sex chromosome Z Could discriminate between the duck breeds of Anas platyrhynchos and Cairina moschata. Moreover, the constitutive heterochromatin amounts have significantly varied between the ducks belonging to the two genera. Thus, about only one-third of the micro-chromosomes in the three Anas breeds, exhibited large and visible C-banding blocks in both males and females while up to half of them in the two Cairina breeds. Hence, the duck breeds common in Egypt could be distinguished from others occurring elsewhere by C-banding pattern but this will be confirmed in further biochemical and molecular studies (under publication).

Chromosomal characterization of Amazonian freshwater stingrays with evidence for new karyomorphs and XX/XY sex chromosomes.

Cytogenetic studies in the subfamily Potamotrygoninae have provided valuable insights into the understanding of the evolution and diversification of its species. In the present study, the chromosomal features of seven nominal potamotrygonin species are provided: Plesiotrygon iwamae (2n=74, FN=120), Potamotrygon amazona (2n=66, FN=107), P. constellata (2n=66, FN=110), P. leopoldi (2n=64, FN=102), P. motoro (2n=66, FN=106) from four different localities, and P. orbignyi (2n=66, FN=106), P. scobina (2n=66, FN=104), from Central Amazon. Additionally, we found a new karyomorph in P. wallacei. We considered the localization of Nucleolus Organizer Regions (NORs), as well as the pattern of constitutive heterochromatin, as species-specific characters. We found an XX/XY sex chromosome system in P. orbignyi, and we suggest that P. scobina and P. amazona also possess the same sex chromosome system. Overall, the chromosomal evolution in this group appears to have progressed towards a reduction in diploid number, with a concomitant increase in the number of bi-armed and nucleolar chromosomes.

Cytogenetic studies in three diploid species of Andropogon (Andropogoneae), section Leptopogon

Abstract Karyotypes can provide a relevant information about relationships and evolutionary origin among species of the Andropogon genus. This paper presents the karyotype, C+ and DAPI/CMA3 banding and DNA content of three diploid (2n=20) species belonging to section Leptopogon: A. selloanus, A. macrothrix and A. gyrans. Karyotypes of the three diploid species are symmetrical. We propose a karyotype formulae (18m + 2sm) for each of them. The three species show a pair of metacentric chromosomes with a terminal secondary constriction on short arms. Fluorochrome banding revealed different constitutive heterochromatin patterns and CMA3+/DAPI¬ terminal bands related to the nucleolar organizer region in each species. Nuclear DNA content was estimated by flow cytometry ranged from 2.22 to 2.61 pg. FISH technique revealed that these three species have two 45S rDNA loci at the distal ends of the short arms of two metacentric chromosomes. We compare the genomes of the diploids A. selloanus, A. macrothrix and A. gyrans, and the triploid A. ternatus using GISH. These technique allowed us to confirm the hypotheses that the A. selloanus, A. macrothrix and A. gyrans constitute a homogeneous group that share a common S genome that comprises just one of the genomes in the triploid A. ternatus.

Would Nesotriatoma bruneri Usinger, 1944 be a valid species?

Variation in the size and morphological differences intraspecific of Nesotriatoma flavida led to the description of N. bruneri. However, two years later the same author proposed the synonymization N. bruneri with N. flavida. N. bruneri was revalidated through morphological analysis after 35 years. Thus, given the existing taxonomic questioning between these Cuban triatomines, we analyzed new parameters such as genetic distance from the mitochondrial 16S rDNA deposited in Genbank and cytogenetic characterization, through the constitutive heterochromatin pattern, in order to reassess the specific status of N. bruneri. The analysis of the disposition of constitutive heterochromatin in the genome of these triatomines allowed observing that only the sex chromosome Y is heterochromatic, and the autosomes and the sex chromosomes X are euchromatic. These characteristics are identical to those described for N. flavida. By means of analysis of genetic distance matrix, we found that the genetic distance between N. bruneri and N. flavida was only 0.04%. Thus, by means of extremely low genetic distance and identical cytogenetic characteristics, we suggest that N. bruneri should be back again synonymized with N. flavida. However, we recommend that experimental hybrid crosses and new molecular analysis should be conducted, focusing mainly in the genetic distance based on other genes, on the rate of fertility of eggs and viability of hybrids to confirm the proposed of synonymization.

New insights into karyotypic relationships among populations of Astyanax bockmanni (Teleostei, Characiformes) of different watersheds.

The fish constitute about 50% of all vertebrates, including a wide morphological and biological diversity, where the genus Astyanax is the most common and diverse, as described in virtually all freshwater environments. By occupying a basal position in the phylogeny of vertebrates, fish are an extremely favorable group for cytogenetic and evolutionary studies. The karyotype found in genus Astyanax diversity may involve a number of polymorphisms, which may be related to ploidy and karyotypic macrostructure, presence of B chromosomes, heterochromatin polymorphisms, and location of ribosomal genes. Nevertheless, the relationship between populations of this species is still poorly studied. Thus, the present work aimed to investigate karyotype variation, chromosomal relationships, and the behavior of 5S and 18S ribosomal genes in six populations of Astyanax bockmanni. The results confirmed the diploid number of 50 chromosomes in all the populations sampled, with the occurrence of one supernumerary chromosome in just one of them. In addition, all populations showed divergent patterns of constitutive heterochromatin and repetitive nucleolar sites. The fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique using 5S and 18S rDNA probes revealed distinct patterns of distribution for these conserved genes, while 5S rDNA genes were found located in two chromosome pairs, the 18S genes showed multiple marks dispersed in the genome characterizing an inter and intraindividual polymorphic behavior, as previously reported to occur with the utilization of the Ag-NOR technique. Thus, besides minor modifications observed in chromosome morphology, the populations of A. bockmanni analyzed revealed a preserved macrostructural feature, especially concerning to the diploid number; on the other hand, differences in microstructural characteristics indicated by the nucleolus organizer region (NOR) location, constitutive heterochromatin patterns, and distribution of ribosomal genes along the genome were clearly evident in the populations from different river basins, even located at short distances.

NOR- bearing as a plesiomorphic characteristic in Mimus saturninus (Passeriformes Mimidae)

The order Passeriformes is the largest group of species karyotyped among birds, however little is known about the cytogenetic of the Mimidae family, registering only karyology basic data (giemsa staining). The aim of this study was to analyze the chromosomal complement from the species Mimus saturninus by conventional staining and differential chromosome banding. Diploid number and chromosome morphology were determined, as well as the distribution pattern of constitutive heterochromatin (CBG-banding), GTG-banding andAgNOR staining (NORs). The Chalk-browed Mockingbird has 2n=80. The first and fourth pairs are submetacentric and the second, third and fifth are acrocentric. The remaining chromosomes pairs of the complement have telocentric morphology. The Z chromosome is submetacentric and the W is metacentric. CBG-banding showed positive staining in the pericentromeric region of most macrochromosomes and microchromosomes and also at Z chromosome, differently from W chromosome which appeared totally heterochromatic. The GTG-banding was similar to Gallus gallus and in other species which have already been GTG-banded. The NORs were identified in a pair of microchromosomes characterized by presenting a remarkable secondary constriction. This can be considered as a plesiomorphic characteristic for M. saturninus once baseline groups (Paleognathae) also showed a pair of microchromosomes bearing NORs.

Cytogenetic analysis in three species from genusAstyanax(Pisces; Characiformes) with a new occurrence of B chromosome inAstyanax paranae

Cytogenetic studies were carried out in three species from genus Astyanax: Astyanax paranae (Tagacaba Stream and Taua Stream), Astyanax altiparanae (Iguacu River and Maringa Stream) and Astyanax fasciatus (Maringa Stream). Both populations of A. paranae featured 2n = 50 chromosomes, although with different karyotype formulae and Ag-nucleolar organizer regions systems. Using the FISH technique in the Tagacaba population, it was possible to detect rDNA genes in 14 chromosomes and bitelomeric marking in one chromosome. The constitutive heterochromatin pattern also showed differences between the two populations. Moreover, the Tagacaba population showed macrochromosome B in 50% of analyzed females. Both A. altiparanae populations featured 2n = 50 chromosomes, but also differed in karyotype formula. Both populations featured multiple-NOR systems and quite similar constitutive heterochromatin patterns. For the A. fasciatus population from Maringa Stream, the diploid number was 2n = 46 chromosomes with karyotype ...

Distribution of constitutive heterochromatin in species of triatomines with fragmentation of sex chromosomes X.

Cytogenetic analyses of triatomines are considered to be important taxonomic tools. Thus, we analyzed the pattern of constitutive heterochromatin in 7 species of triatomine with fragmentation of the sex chromosome X, focusing on the cytotaxonomy of these triatomines. The species analyzed included Triatoma vitticeps, Triatoma melanocephala, Triatoma tibiamaculata, Triatoma protracta, Meccus pallidipennis, Panstrongylus megistus, and Panstrongylus lignarius. The seminiferous tubules of the adult males were subjected to C-banding. P. megistus and P. lignarius showed differences in chromosome number and disposition of constitutive heterochromatin, as only P. lignarius showed C-blocks in autosomes. C-banding can differentiate these species, since one of the sex chromosome (X) is heterochromatic in T. vitticeps. T. protracta showed C-blocks in both ends of all autosomes, T. tibiamaculata showed terminal C-dots in some autosomal pairs and M. pallidipennis did not show constitutive heterochromatin in autosomes. Thus, we confirmed the heterochromatic pattern of 7 species of insects and emphasized the importance of cytogenetic techniques for C-banding for taxonomy studies of the triatomines, which are important vectors of Chagas disease.

Distribution of constitutive heterochromatin in Triatoma melanocephala (Hemiptera, Triatominae).

In principle, Triatoma melanocephala was included in the Brasiliensis subcomplex on the basis of morphological parameters and geographical layout, since there were no other relevant data available in the literature. On the basis of karyotype, it has been proposed to exclude T. melanocephala, as well as of T. vitticeps and T. tibiamaculata, from the subcomplex, which shows fragmentation of the X sex chromosomes, thereby approaching the species of North America. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the pattern of constitutive heterochromatin of T. melanocephala to provide new data on the cytotaxonomy of this vector of Chagas disease and especially to try to relate this species to some group, complex or subcomplex of triatomine species, aiding in their classification. This species showed no constitutive heterochromatin in the autosomes or X sex chromosome, but only the Y sex chromosome. The number of chromosomes and heterochromatin pattern of T. melanocephala proved to be identical to that described for Panstrongylus lutzi. Thus, the present study demonstrated a tentative relationship between T. melanocephala and P. lutzi. However, we emphasize that other comparative studies should be conducted between these species, such as experimental crosses and molecular, enzymatic, morphological, and morphometric analyses to determine whether these species are actually evolutionarily related or if the number of chromosomes and the heterochromatin pattern emerged as homoplasies in T. melanocephala and P. lutzi.

Distribution of constitutive heterochromatin in two species of triatomines: Triatoma lenti Sherlock and Serafim (1967) and Triatoma sherlocki Papa, Jurberg, Carcavallo, Cerqueira & Barata (2002)

Triatoma lenti and Triatoma sherlocki are hemipterans that belong to the brasiliensis subcomplex. In triatomines, the constitutive heterochromatin pattern is species-specific and allows, in many cases, for the grouping of species. Thus, we cytogenetically analyzed T. sherlocki and T. lenti using C-banding, and we compared the results with previous ones obtained in other species of the brasiliensis subcomplex. Both species were found to have a male diploid chromosome number of 22 chromosomes (2n=20A+XY) with heterochromatic blocks at one or both chromosomal ends of all autosomal pairs. During early meiotic prophase, they showed a large heteropycnotic chromocenter constituted by the association of both sex chromosomes plus two autosomal pairs and many heterochromatic blocks dispersed inside the nucleus. All of these cytogenetic characteristics are similar to those observed in other species of brasiliensis subcomplex, results which confirm the grouping of T. sherlocki and T. lenti within this subcomplex. However, we emphasize the importance of other approaches, such as molecular analysis, to confirm the placement of T. lenti within the brasiliensis subcomplex.

Cytogenetic analysis of B chromosomes in one population of the fish Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae (Steindachner, 1907) (Teleostei, Characiformes)

The aim of this study was to characterize cytogenetically one population of the fish Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae (Steindachner, 1907), with emphasis on the analysis of B chromosomes. The nucleolar activity in the B microchromosomes was characterized, and an analysis of mitotic instability of these microchromosomes was accomplished. The results showed a diploid chromosome number of 50 chromosomes. In all individuals, we observed the presence of B microchromosomes with intra- and inter-individual variability. The analysis of the nucleolus organizing regions (NORs) by silver nitrate staining demonstrated multiple NORs. We observed active sites of ribosomal DNA in the B microchromosomes, with a frequency of 20% in the analyzed cells, which shows gene activity in these chromosomal elements. The analysis of constitutive heterochromatin patterns showed that the B microchromosomes are heterochromatic or euchromatic, which demonstrates differentiation of DNA composition between these genomic elements. The calculation of the mitotic instability index implied that B chromosomes in this species might be in a final stage of instability.

Chromosome polymorphism in Rineloricaria pentamaculata (Loricariidae, Siluriformes) of the Paraná River basin

Cytogenetic analysis in three Rineloricaria pentamaculata populations revealed diploid number 2n = 56 chromosomes, karyotype formula 8m/sm + 48st/a and FN = 64. Owing to the presence of the heteromorphic chromosome pair with a big submetacentric chromosome and a small acrocentric one in both males and females, 42.9% of specimens in the Taua Stream population had the karyotype formula 9m/sm + 47st/a and FN = 65. Analysis of the nucleolus-organizing region by Ag-NOR and FISH techniques showed a single NOR system at pair 5 for R. pentamaculata populations of the Keller River and the Taua Stream. However, specimens of populations of the Tatupeba Stream had multiple NOR systems at pairs 5 and 8. A constitutive heterochromatin pattern in R. pentamaculata is mainly distributed in the pericentromeric and telomeric regions with interstitial markers in certain chromosomes. Heterochromatin is located in the telomeric and centromeric positions of the acrocentric chromosome in the heteromorphic pair of the Taua Stream population. In the submetacentric chromosome the markings are located in the telomeric (short arm), pericentomeric and interstitial (long arm) positions. The origins of polymorphisms are discussed.

Comparative cytogenetic analysis of the “Sylvaemus” group of Apodemus (Rodentia, Muridae): A. sylvaticus from Sicily and A. flavicollis from the central Apennines

Chromosome mapping of three common markers, ie major and 5S rRNA genes (rDNA) and telomeric repeats, and conventional chromosome bandings were applied to two sibling species, Apodemus sylvaticus Linnaeus, 1758 and A. flavicollis Melchior, 1834, to further investigate intra- and interspecific karyological differentiation in the genus Apodemus. A slight variation of the rDNA-patterns was detected between the two Apodemus species. In both of them, the major NORs were located on autosome pairs 8, 11, 12 and 22, while the two other rDNA sites detected on chromosomes 7 and 21 were variable in, respectively, A. sylvaticus and A. flavicollis. Several tiny rDNA sites were present on the sex chromosomes in both species, but their incidence was lower in A. flavicollis. Single 5S rDNA chromosomal sites were conserved on chromosome pair 20. No interstitial sites of telomeric repeats were present in either species. In the Sicilian population of A. sylvaticus, the constitutive heterochromatin pattern corresponded to the “sylvaticus-E1” cytotype, while A. flavicollis had a species-specific pattern restricted to centromeres of all chromosomes. The results are discussed in relation to cytogenetic data available for the genus, with emphasis on the Sylvaemus group/subgenus.

Cytogenetics of four Omophoita species (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Alticinae): A comparative analysis using mitotic and meiotic cells submitted to the standard staining and C-banding technique

Omophoita belongs to the tribe Oedionychini and is endemic from Neotropical region. The species of the tribe Oedionychini have revealed certain singular chromosomal features, such as sex chromosomes with extremely large size, asynapsis, and synthelic or amphithelic orientation during meiosis. Additionally, some species also showed post-reductional segregation of the gigantic sex chromosomes in meiotic division. The purpose of this work was to characterize cytogenetically four Omophoita species ( O. magniguttis, O. octoguttata, O. personata, and O. sexnotata) in relation to their diploid number, chromosomal morphology, type of sex chromosome system, and constitutive heterochromatin pattern in mitotic and meiotic cells, and compare the obtained data with those of related species to establish the mechanism involved in the chromosomal differentiation of these species during the evolutionary process. The diploid number, 2 n = 22 = 20 + X + y, and meiotic formulae, 10II + X + y, observed in these species were similar to those of the same genus and other species related. The autosomal morphology was acrocentric in O. magniguttis and O. octoguttata, metacentric in O. personata, and predominantly metacentric in O. sexnotata. In all these species, the sex chromosomes were metacentric. The secondary constriction occurred in pair 6 and X chromosome of O. personata, and in pair 6 and y chromosome of O. sexnotata. The constitutive heterochromatin was pericentromeric in O. magniguttis and centromeric in O. sexnotata, with the exception of the mitotic sex chromosomes of O. sexnotata, in which centromeric C band was lacking. Additional C bands in the sex chromosomes of O. magniguttis and certain autosomes and sex chromosomes of O. sexnotata were observed. Collochores were indirectly identified in the spermatocytes of O. octoguttata, O. personata, and O. sexnotata. The main mechanisms involved in the karyotype evolution of these species were discussed.

Characterization of heterochromatin of germ line limited and soma chromosomes in Acricotopus lucidus (Diptera, Chironomidae) by differential banding methods

The distribution pattern of constitutive heterochromatin in germ line limited (=K) and soma (=S) chromosomes of Acricotopus lucidus was investigated by C-banding of gonial mitoses. The DNA-binding. AT-and GC-specific, fluorochromes diamidinophenylindole (DAPI) and chromomycin A3 (CMA) indicated obvious differences in base pair compositions of K and S heterochromatin. The specific silver stainability of the two paracentromeric C-bands of each of the Ks and of the cemromeric C-bands of the Ss is discussed in connexion with the different behavior of the Ks and the Ss during the complex chromosome cycle in A. lucidus.