Pairs Of Small Chromosomes Research Articles

Cytogenetics in fruit breeding - localization of ribosomal RNA genes on chromosomes of apple (Malus×domestica Borkh.)

The localization of rRNA genes was studied by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on chromosomes of the cultivated apple, M.×domestica ‘Pinova’ (2n=34). The 18S/25S rRNA loci were detected in terminal positions of the short arms of two submetacentric and two metacentric chromosome pairs. One 5S rRNA gene locus was found in the proximal region of the short arm of a small metacentric chromosome pair.

Karyotype and genome size of zoarcids and notothenioids (Taleostei, Perciformes) from the Ross Sea: cytotaxonomic implications

In the absence of fossils, the origin of Notothenioidei, a perciform suborder dominating the fish fauna of the Southern Ocean, remains conjectural; some morphoecological evidence suggests relationships to zoarcoids. To test this point we have compared the karyotype morphology and genome size of two species of zoarcids from the Ross Sea to those of one species each of the notothenioid families Artedidraconidae, Bathydraconidae, Channichthyidae and Nototheniidae from the same region. A karyotype of 48, mostly acrocentric, chromosomes, localization of nucleolar organizers on a pair of small dibrachial chromosomes, a genome size of about 3 pg of DNA, characterize both zoarcids; similar features can be found in the karyology of the notothenioids (especially the Nototheniidae). However, all shared characters appear as plesiomorphic in teleost karyology, which does not help in producing new data on the problem of notothenioid relationships.

Chromosomal variation in the scincid genus Mabuya and its arboreal relatives (Reptilia: Squamata)

Karyotypes of four East and Southeast Asian species of the genus Mabuya and representatives of three arboreal genera considered to be closely related to the genus (Apterygodon, Dasia and Lamprolepis) are examined. Mabuya rugifera and M. rudis possess 2n=32 karyotypes, whereas M. longicaudata lacks one small chromosome pair, which makes its diploid number 30. The karyotype of M. macularia quadrifasciata from southern Thailand differs from any known scincid karyotypes, including a previously reported karyotype of the conspecific Indian population, in exhibiting a high diploid number (38) and a gradual change in size from large to small chromosomes. This suggests that M. macularia may consist of more than one biological species. Karyotypes of Apterygodon vittatus, Dasia olivacea and Lamprolepis smaragdinus, while exhibiting a close similarity to most Mabuya karyotypes, suggest the occurrence of slight rearrangements involving either the deletion of two small chromosome pairs (A. vittatus), or the change of centromeric positions in medium and small chromosomes (D. olivacea and L. smaragdinus).

Revised karyotypes and chromosome banding of coregonid fishes from the Laurentian Great Lakes

Karyotypes of lake whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis, and various Great Lakes cisco species, lake herring or cisco, C. artedi, bloater, C. hoyi, blackfin cisco, C. nigripinnis, and shortjaw cisco, C. zenithicus, were analyzed using Giemsa staining, C-banding, silver staining, and Chromomycin A3 fluorescence. Coregonus clupeaformis had a karyotype (2n = 80, NF = 98) indistinguishable from that described for C. laveretus from Europe, with one pair of nuclear organizer regions (NORs) on the short arms of a small acrocentric chromosome pair and a second NOR on the short arms of another acrocentric chromosome pair. This species displayed a size polymorphism involving the heterochromatic short arm of the largest metacentric–submetacentric pair. All four cisco species had similar karyotypes (2n = 80, NF = 98), with the exception of some C. artedi from Lake Superior, which were heterozygous for a chromosome fusion involving the NOR chromosomes (2n = 79). One NOR was located pericentromerically on the long arm of the second largest acrocentric chromosome and a second NOR on the short arms of another acrocentric chromosome pair in several individuals. C-banding revealed that the difference in chromosome morphology between lake whitefish and the ciscoes probably resulted from amplification of heterochromatin on the short arms of one pair of large submetacentric–metacentric chromosomes.

Intra-individual variations of chromosomes and DNA content in meristems of adventitious roots ofOrnithogalum umbellatumL.

SUMMARYThe 92 bulbs from a population of Ornithogalum umbellatum which is stable at 2n = 2x = 18, are characterized by a karyotype containing one pair of large metacentric chromosomes, five pairs of large telocentric chromosomes and three pairs of small submetacentric chromosomes; only, two meristematic root cells of one bulb show aneuploidy (2n = 19 and 2n = 25). Although the mean DNA content measured in metaphase plates of meristematic cells of adventitious roots from a single bulb is highly variable (up to 50% difference); in the two cases where aneuploidy was encountered very little or no increase in DNA content was observed.

Allodiploid nature of Allium wakegi Araki revealed by genomic in situ hybridization and localization of 5S and 18S rDNAs.

Allium wakegi Araki could be originated from cross hybridization between close relatives of a form of A. cepa and A. fistulosum. Chromosomes of each parental haploid set were identified in the chromosome complement of A. wakegi by genomic in situ hybridization using probes of the total, parental genomic DNAs of A. cepa and A. fistulosum, respectively. The results of GISH suggested significant differentiation of genomic DNAs between these closely related species. Allium cepa had two 5S rDNA loci at the interstitial regions of the short arms of small chromosome pair (the 7th pair) and A. fistulosum had one locus at the interstitial region of the homologous short arms. Allium wakegi had two chromosomes carrying one and two 5S rDNA loci which appeared to correspond to those of A. fistulosum and A. cepa, respectively. Chromosomes carrying 18S rDNA loci originated from those of both A. cepa and A. fistulosum were also observed in the chromosome complement of A. wakegi.

A karyotype analysis of the genus Dicentrarchus by different staining techniques

This study presents a cytogenetic analysis of the genus Dicentrarchus, represented by two species, D. labrax and D. punctatus. The karyotypes are very similar, even after staining with different techniques. Both species show 48 subtelocentric and acrocentric chromosomes, gradually decreasing in size. One pair of small size chromosomes has heteropycnotic and heteromorphtc short arms of longer size. These short arms are C- and Ag-positive, i.e. nucleolar organizer regions, NORs, are located there. Constitutive heterochromatin is also evident as a subcentromeric band on the long arms of a large chromosome pair. CMA3-staining confirms the location and the heteromorphism of NORs. DAPI and quinacrine produce homogeneous staining of chromosomes. A review of cytogenetic studies on ‘serranid’ species is also presented.

A karyotype analysis of the genus Dicentrarchus by different staining techniques

This study presents a cytogenetic analysis of the genus Dicentrarchus, represented by two species, D. labrax and D. punctatus. The karyotypes are very similar, even after staining with different techniques. Both species show 48 subtelocentric and acrocentric chromosomes, gradually decreasing in size. One pair of small size chromosomes has heteropycnotic and heteromorphtc short arms of longer size. These short arms are C‐ and Ag‐positive, i.e. nucleolar organizer regions, NORs, are located there. Constitutive heterochromatin is also evident as a subcentromeric band on the long arms of a large chromosome pair. CMA3‐staining confirms the location and the heteromorphism of NORs. DAPI and quinacrine produce homogeneous staining of chromosomes. A review of cytogenetic studies on ‘serranid’ species is also presented.

Divergence between populations of a monogamous polychaete with male parental care: Premating isolation and chromosome variation

Low dispersal and sexual selection are characteristic of the coastal polychaeteNereis acuminata Ehlers 1868 [also known asNereis arenaceodentata Moore 1903 andNereis (Neanthes) caudata Delle Chiaje 1841]. We assessed levels of premating isolation between populations of this polychaete. Four North American populations were used, two from the Atlantic and two from the Pacific. Worms from all sites (1) were collected in 1987 and 1988 from the same habitat type, (2) were morphologically similar and keyed out asN. acuminata, and (3) reproduced monogamously and exhibited male parental care, an extremely rare reproductive mode in marine invertebrates. There was no evidence from 10-min or 36-h trials of premating isolation between the two Pacific populations. Incomplete premating isolation was found between the two Atlantic populations. High aggression and non-pairing occurred in some 10-min trials between males and females. However, in 36-h trials males and females from the two Atlantic populations always paired to mate. Complete premating isolation was found between Atlantic and Pacific populations. During 10-min trials, males and females from different oceans often attacked and then avoided each other, and they never paired to mate. Nor did they pair to mate in longer, 36-h trials. One Pacific and one Atlantic population were compared for tolerance to cold temperature. Pacific individuals were less able to tolerate cold water than Atlantic individuals. Two Atlantic populations studied had karyotypes with 11 pairs of small acrocentric chromosomes (2n=22), while the two Pacific populations had nine pairs of large metacentric or submetacentric chromosomes (2n=18). Such extreme dissimilarity in karyotype was not expected considering the similarity in morphology, habitat, and reproductive mode. Results suggest strongly that the Atlantic and Pacific populations have been allopatric for a long time, and are different species.

Cytogenetics of Australian scorpions. II. Chromosome polymorphism in species of Urodacus (family Scorpionidae)

The cytogenetic features of six species of scorpion from the Australian genus Urodacus (family Scorpionidae) were examined. Australian scorpionids possess monocentric chromosomes and male meiosis is achiasmate. Chromosome numbers are generally high and in some species extremely variable. Chromosome variation in one species, U. manicatus, was found to be due to fusion – fission polymorphism and variation in the number of small telocentric chromosome pairs. Additionally two populations exhibited extensive inversion heterozygosity. Available evidence suggests that female meiosis may also be achiasmate. The extensive numerical and structural heterozygosity found in U. manicatus may be related to the achiasmate meiosis, which allows regular pairing and disjunction of the multiple chromosome associations.Key words: achiasmate meiosis, chromosome polymorphism, structural heterozygosity, Robertsonian fusions.

Karyotypic conservation in the mammalian order monotremata (subclass Prototheria).

The order Monotremata, comprising the platypus and two species of echidna (Australian and Nuigini) is the only extant representative of the mammalian subclass Prototheria, which diverged from subclass Theria (marsupials and placental mammals) 150-200 million years ago. The 2n = 63 male, 64 female karyotype (newly described here) of the Nuigini echidna is almost identical in morphology and G-band pattern to that of the Australian echidna, from which it diverged about a million years ago. The karyotype of the platypus (2n = 52) has several features in common with those of the echidna species; six pairs of large autosomes, many pairs of small (but not micro-) chromosomes, and a series of small unpaired chromosomes which form a multivalent at meiosis. Comparison of the G-band patterns of platypus and echidna autosomes reveals considerable homology. Chromomycin banding demonstrates GC-rich heterochromatin at the centromeres of many platypus and echidna chromosomes, and at the nucleolar organizing regions; some of this heterochromatin C-bands weakly in platypus (but not echidna) spreads. Late replication banding patterns resemble G-banding patterns and confirm the homologies between the species. Striking heteromorphism between chromosomes of some of the large autosomal pairs can be accounted for in the echidna by differences in amount of chromomycin-bright, late replicating heterochromatin. The sex chromosomes in all three species also bear striking homology, despite the difference in sex determination mechanism between platypus (XX/XY) and the echidna species (X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y). The platypus X and echidna X1 each represent about 5.8% of haploid chromosome length, and are G-band identical. Y chromosomes are similar between species, and are largely homologous to the X (or X1).

Karyometrical analysis of 10 species of the subfamily Monocelidinae (Proseriata, Platyhelminthes) with remarks on the karyological evolution of the Monocelididae

Ten species of the Monocelidinae have been examined. All were found to be regularly diploid. Four of them show the chromosome number n=3 and remarkably similar karyotypes (one pair of large metacentrics, one pair of medium sized metacentrics and one pair of small heterobrachial chromosomes). This set is considered as basic (plesiomorphic) for the family Monocelididae. Three species present n=4 and three species n=5, with an increase of heterobrachial chromosomes. Based on karyometrical data, it is suggested that these complements are derived from the basic complement through fission of one or both metacentric chromosomes, respectively. Further minor chromosome rearrangements, involving centromere position, were observed.

Chromosomes ofAtrophecaecum Burminis(Bhalerao, 1926) (Trematoda: Acanthostomidae)

SUMMARYAnalysis of mitotic metaphase plates found in aceto-orcein squashes of intra-molluscan stages of Atrophecaecum burminis revealed the diploid chromosome number for the species to be 2n = 14. All the 14 chromosomes in the complement are of submetacentric type and fall into 2 distinct size group; the group I containing 2 pairs of large chromosomes together contributing to 62% TCL and group II containing 5 pairs of small chromosomes contributing to 38% TCL. The mean total chromosome length (TCL) of the complement is 62.01μm.

Chromosome Studies in the GenusGethyllis(Amaryllidaceae)

SUMMARYThe genus Getbyllis (Amaryllidaceae) is endemic of Southern Africa. Eight species have been examined cytologically and in all species the chromosome complement is among the largest in the plant kingdom. It consists of five large and one small chromosome pairs. On the basis of chromosome morphology, the eight species can be subdivided into two groups with four species each. The two groups show some geographical bias with one group apparently occupying exclusively the Northern part of the distribution area.

Nucleolus organizer regions in the chromosomes of the llama.

Silver nitrate (Ag-AS) staining was applied to chromosome preparations from the llama (Lama glama). The NORs were detected on the secondary constrictions of the short arms or the stalks of five small acrocentric chromosome pairs.

Karyological Observations on Monocelididae (Turbellaria, Proseriata): Karyometrical Analysis of Four Species Pertaining to the Subfamily Minoninae

SUMMARYFour species of Minoninae (Turbellaria, Proseriata) have been examined (Minona n. sp., Duplominona paucispina, D. corsicana, Duploperaclistus circocirrus). All show n = 3, 2n = 6 and they have remarkably similar karyotypes. The basic diploid set is made up of one pair of large metacentric chromosomes, one pair of medium-sized chromosomes (metacentric in three species and submetacentric in the fourth) and a third pair of small acrocentric chromosomes. Absolute haploid genome length is similar in three of the species but differs significantly in Duplominona corsicana where it is much higher. The chromosome number n = 3, found not only in these species but also in others of the family Monocelididae, can be considered as the basic number of the family and a plesiomorphic condition for all the Proseriata.

Karyological observations on Turbellaria Proseriata: karyometric analysis ofMonocelis fusca, M. lineata (Monocelididae) andParotoplana macrostyla (Otoplanidae)

A karyometric analysis of the chromosome set of the marine turbellariansMonocelis fusca, M. lineata andParotoplana macrostyla has been carried out. The karyotype of the twoMonocelis species investigated (2n=6) is formed by three pairs of small and similarly sized chromosomes: InM. fusca, chromosome 1 is metacentric, chromosome 2 acrocentric and chromosome 3 is subtelocentric.M. lineata also presents one pair of metacentric chromosomes (chromosome 2), while chromosomes 1 and 3 are submetacentric.P. macrostyla (2n=12) reveals two pairs of large metacentric and four pairs of small chromosomes, three of which are metacentric, whereas the last is subtelocentric.

The Chromosomes of Six Species of the Drosophila lativittata Complex

Metaphase and polytene karyotypes were investigated in six Australian species of the Drosophila (Scaptodrosophila) coracina species-group: lativittata, enigma, specensis, howensis, nitidithorax and novamaculosa. The male metaphase karyotype of each species consists of three pairs of telocentric; one pair of metacentric and one pair of small heterochromatic chromosomes, plus a large acrocentric X-chromosome and a smaller acrocentric Y-chromosome. The polytene karyotype of each species consists of six arms and a small chromocentre. No inversion polymorphisms were found in the two species (lativittata and enigma) investigated for this phenomenon. Interspecific crosses obtained between enigma and howensis and between lativittata and nitidithorax revealed that the former species (between which sexual isolation is incomplete) are entirely homosequential, and differences in polytene banding patterns between the latter species are very slight. Photographic comparisons otherwise revealed that the banding sequences of all six species are substantially identical.

Taxonomic studies ofAsarum sensu lato

The karyotype and the C-banding pattern in two species ofHexastylis andAsarum epigynum were analysed in detail, and the results obtained were compared with those of the other species ofAsarum, Asiasarum andHeterotropa previously reported. The present results were partially different from the previous reports related to the karyotypes of these species. The karyotype observed in two species ofHexastylis (2n=26) was represented by ten pairs of metacentric chromosomes and three pairs of small subtelocentric chromosomes, which is very similar to that ofAsiasarum in eastern Asia. The C-banding patterns ofHexastylis andAsiasarum, however, were clearly different from each other. A striking difference was found in one of the three pairs of small subtelocentric chromosomes. A Formosan speciesAsarum epigynum had the somatic chromosome number 2n=12 and a highly asymmetrical karyotype composed of mainly subtelocentric chromosomes. These karyological features were remarkably different from those of the other groups inAsarum s.l.

Chromosomal polymorphism of Bufo bufo: Karyotype and C-banding pattern of B. b. verrucosissima

Bufo bufo verrucosissima has a karyotype consisting of 22 chromosomes (6 pairs of large and 5 pairs of small chromosomes which are meta- and submetacentric). By means of Ag-AS-staining nucleolar organizers were localized in the telomeric region of the long arms of the 6th pair of chromosomes. The karyotype differs from those of the other B. bufo subspecies by the form of the 4th pair, which is metacentric. A slight chromosomal polymorphism was shown also after C-banding of B. b. verrucosissima and B. b. bufo chromosomes.