The mechanism of G and C banding in mammalian metaphase chromosomes

Chromosome 13q deletion syndrome involving 13q31‑qter: A case report

Partial deletions on the long arm of chromosome 13 lead to a number of different phenotypes depending on the size and position of the deleted region. The present study investigated 2 patients with 13q terminal (13qter) deletion syndrome, which manifested as anal atresia with rectoperineal fistula, complex type congenital heart disease, esophageal hiatus hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, facial anomalies and developmental and mental retardation. Array comparative genomic hybridization identified 2 regions of deletion on chromosome 13q31‑qter; 20.38 Mb in 13q31.3‑qter and 12.99 Mb in 13q33.1‑qter in patients 1 and 2, respectively. Comparisons between the results observed in the present study and those obtained from patients in previous studies indicate that the gene encoding ephrin B2 (EFNB2) located in the 13q33.3‑q34 region, and the gene coding for endothelin receptor type B, in the 13q22.1‑31.3 region, may be suitable candidate genes for the observed urogenital/anorectal anomalies. In addition, the microRNA‑17‑92a‑1 cluster host gene and the glypican 6 gene in the 13q31.3 region, as well as EFNB2 and the collagen type IV a1 chain (COL4A1) and COL4A2 genes in the 13q33.1‑q34 region may together contribute to cardiovascular disease development. It is therefore possible that these genes may be involved in the pathogenesis of complex type congenital heart disease in patients with 13q deletion syndrome.

The centromere: chromatin foundation for the kinetochore machinery

Since discovery of the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A, centromeres have come to be defined as chromatin structures that establish the assembly site for the complex kinetochore machinery. In most organisms, centromere activity is defined epigenetically, rather than by specific DNA sequences. In this review, we describe selected classic work and recent progress in studies of centromeric chromatin with a focus on vertebrates. We consider possible roles for repetitive DNA sequences found at most centromeres, chromatin factors and modifications that assemble and activate CENP-A chromatin for kinetochore assembly, plus the use of artificial chromosomes and kinetochores to study centromere function.

Identification of the pattern of heterochromatin distribution in Passiflora species with C-banding

We tested four C-banding protocols to obtain heterochromatic bands in the passion fruit species Passiflora edulis and P. cacaoensis (Passifloraceae). Three of these protocols had been previously described. The three published protocols were not adequate to obtain C-bands in these species. An adapted protocol demonstrated heterochromatin distribution in metaphasic chromosomes of species of Passiflora for the first time. The differentiated coloration for C-bands was obtained with immersion of the slides in 99% ethanol, 45% acetic acid (additional step), 0.2 N hydrochloric acid, hydroxide of barium, 45% acetic acid, and 2X standard saline citrate at four different temperatures. The C-bands were observed in the satellites and in the telomere and centromere regions of all chromosomes, both in P. edulis and in P. cacaoensis.

Structural-functional model of the mitotic chromosome

In the present review the structural role of noncoding DNA, mechanisms of differential staining of mitotic chromosomes, and structural organization of different levels of DNA compactization are discussed. A structural-functional model of the mitotic chromosome is proposed based on the principle of discreteness of structural levels of DNA compactization.

DNA topology in heterochromatin (a hypothesis)

A hypothesis explaining the known heterochromatin features--a compact DNA packaging, transcriptional inactivity, propensity to aggregate (stickiness) and position effect variegation-is described. The hypothesis is based on the assumption that DNA molecules in heterochromatin are topologically open and contain single-strand breaks in the regions with identical or similar primary sequences.

The mechanism of G-banding detected by atomic force microscopy

The morphologic changes occurring in human chromosomes during G-banding by trypsin treatment on the same metaphase were followed with the aid of an atomic force microscope (AFM). It was found that trypsin treatment alone caused a pattern of collapse in the chromosomes that was clearly dependent on the duration of trypsinization. The progressive pattern of collapse first indicated the loss of internal differentiation between chromatids, then bands, and finally all internal structures, except for edges running around the chromosomes' perimeter. When stained with Giemsa, the collapsed chromosomes partly regained their original form, and transverse ridges appeared that correspond to G-positive band regions. However, the treatment of fixed chromosomes with trypsin for 42 s diminished the chromosomal edges, and the z-dimensions could not be measured even with the subsequent application of Giemsa.

Atomic force microscope imaging of chromosome structure during G-banding treatments

Surface topography of human chromosomes was examined by atomic force microscopy during treatments for G-banding. Trypsin treatment resulted in a structural modification in the chromatin. Subsequent Giemsa staining caused a general swelling of the chromosomal surface that was greater in the areas of G-band positive regions. By means of a quantitative evaluation method we showed that the G-banding process produces a 10-fold enhancement of a pre-existing pattern of chromatin between G-band positive and G-band negative regions on mitotic chromosomes.

Molecular characterization and cytogenetic analysis of highly repeated DNAs of lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush

The chromosomes of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) contain a considerable amount of heterochromatin located at the centromeres and/or telomeres of several chromosomes, including a sex-specific block located distally on the X chromosome. In order to investigate further the repetitive DNAs of lake trout, genomic DNA from a female was size fractionated (<600 bp) with the restriction endonuclease AluI and fragments were cloned into the bacteriophage M13. A total of 42 clones were isolated. Relative copy number of individual inserts within the lake trout genome was estimated by Southern analysis. Twelve clones were determined to be highly repetitive and were chosen for further investigation. Inserts of these clones contained sequences similar to the AluI/RsaI, EcoRI/DraI, DraI/BstEII, and MboI/BglII families reported from Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). The chromosomal location of several of these fragments was determined in lake trout by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Two related AluI/RsaI sequences (Type A, approximately 140 bp, and Type B,approximately 120 bp) showed differential hybridization. Type A hybridized to the centromeres of all metacentric as well as several acrocentric chromosomes. Type B hybridized to the centromeres of most acrocentric chromosomes. A sequence with homology to the EcoRI/DraI family hybridized to the centromeres of several acrocentric chromosomes. Sequences with partial similarity to the DraI/BstEII family hybridized to the major rDNA sites (nucleolar organizer regions, NORs) and several minor telomeric sites. The interstitial and telomeric heterochromatin of lake trout, including that of the X chromosome, appears to comprise sequences belonging to the MboI/BglII family.

Longitudinal patterns similar to G-banding in untreated human chromosomes: evidence from atomic force microscopy

The structure of human metaphase chromosomes, fixed according to standard procedures for optical microscopy but not treated for banding, was examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The images show that chromosomes display a banding pattern very similar to G-banding, detected by the AFM as a variation in the thickness of chromatin. This similarity allows the identification of individual chromosomes.

Chromosome preparation and high resolution banding techniques. A review

High resolution banding techniques enable detection of chromosome rearrangements even within major bands. Banded chromosomes prepared for light microscopic studies of intact metaphase plates are, however, highly modified structures compared with native chromosomes, and the high resolution banding techniques only seem possible because the following methods were standardized and combined. The use of colcemid, which prevents formation of the spindle and thereby collects cells at the metaphase-anaphase border, is routinely used for chromosome preparations. For high resolution banding studies, short exposure time and concentrations near the threshold value have been recommended by several authors. Several agents interfere with chromosome contraction processes, but only a few have had a lasting influence on high resolution banding studies. The most used agents are ethidium bromide, actinomycin D, and Hoechst 33258, which all partially inhibit chromosome contraction. Treatment with hypotonic solutions induces swelling of animal cells, and the methanol in the fixative denatures and precipitates protein by dehydration. The acetic acid coagulates nucleoproteins and causes swelling of the cells. The fixative penetrates the cells rapidly and preserves the chromosome structure. To obtain long segmented chromosomes suitable for high resolution banding hypotonic treatment with .075 M KCl, frequent changes of fixative and overnight fixation at 4 degrees C have been recommended. The use of cell synchronization, 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into DNA, and fluorochrome-photolysis Giemsa (FPG)-staining have improved the quality of high resolution banding. Synchronization techniques, which select for lymphocyte populations in early divisions, provide excellent materials for chromosome preparations and induction of high resolution banding. The banding techniques seem to enhance differences already present in the chromosomes, and the differential Giemsa staining has recently been explained by interactions between the hydrophobic dye complex, the supercoiled DNA helix, and the denaturated histone core of the nucleosomes.

A structural basis for R- and T-banding: a scanning electron microscopy study

The structure of reverse (R)-banded and telomeric (T)-banded chromosomes was studied by examination of the same chromosomes first in the light microscope (LM) followed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). This procedure demonstrated a structural basis to both the R- and T-banding techniques. A direct correlation was shown between the LM staining patterns and the structural patterns observed in the SEM. In the R-banded chromosomes the positively stained R-bands, viewed by LM, corresponded to highly fibrous three-dimensional regions in the SEM. The negatively stained R-interbands corresponded to flatter regions from which material appeared to have been extracted. These structural observations strongly support the suggestion that chromosomal material is preferentially lost from the R-interbands with aggregation of fibres in the R-bands. T-banded chromosomes showed a similar structure to the R-banded chromosomes. The positively stained T-bands located at the telomeres corresponded to regions of highly aggregated fibres. The remainder of the chromosome, corresponding to the negatively stained area, had a flattened and extracted appearance. These similarities in morphology between the T- and R-banded chromosomes support the view that T-bands result from a progressive breakdown of the R-banded chromosome structure.

The involvement of nucleosomes in Giemsa staining of chromosomes. A new hypothesis on the banding mechanism

A new hypothesis is proposed on the involvement of nucleosomes in Giemsa banding of chromosomes. Giemsa staining as well as the concomitant swelling can be explained as an insertion of the triple charged hydrophobic dye complex between the negatively-charged super-coiled helical DNA and the denatured histone cores of the nucleosomes still present in the fixed chromosomes. New cytochemical data and recent results from biochemical literature on nucleosomes are presented in support of this hypothesis. Chromosomes are stained by the Giemsa procedure in a purple (magenta) colour. Giemsa staining of DNA and histone (isolated or in a simple mixture) in model experiments results in different colours, indicating that a higher order configuration of these chromosomal components lies at the basis of the Giemsa method. Cytophotometry of Giemsa dye absorbance of chromosomes shows that the banding in the case of saline pretreatment is due to a relative absence of the complex in the faintly coloured bands (interbands). Pretreatment with trypsin results in an increase in Giemsa dye uptake in the stained bands. Cytophotometric measurements of free phosphate groups before and after pretreatment with saline, reveal a blocking of about half of the free phosphate groups indicating that a substantial number of free amino groups is still present in the fixed chromosomes. Glutaraldehyde treatment inhibited Giemsa-banding irreversibly while the formaldehyde-induced disappearance of the bands could be restored by a washing procedure. These results correlate with those of biochemical nucleosome studies using the same aldehydes. Based on these findings and on the known properties of nucleosomes, a mechanism is proposed that explains the collapse of the chromosome structure when fixed chromosomes are transferred to aqueous buffer solutions. During homogeneous Giemsa staining reswelling of the unpretreated chromosome is explained by insertion of the hydrophobic Giemsa complex between the hydrophobic nucleosome cores and the superhelix DNA. Selective Giemsa staining of the AT-enriched bands after saline pretreatment is thought to be due to the, biochemically well-documented, higher affinity of arginine-rich proteins present in the core histones for GC-enriched DNA, which prevents the insertion of the Giemsa complex in the interbands. Production of Giemsa bands by trypsin pretreatment can be related to the action of this enzyme on the H1 histones and subsequent charge rearrangements.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The structural basis for C-banding. A scanning electron microscopy study

The same C-banded human polymorphic chromosomes were observed in the light microscope (LM) and then in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to investigate the structural changes produced by the C-banding technique. C-banded regions, which stained positively in LM, were highly condensed with tightly packed chromatin fibres, resembling non-banded chromosomes. In striking contrast, adjacent non-C-banded regions were represented by loosely arranged fibres, resembling G-banded chromosomes. The significance of these observations in relation to current theories on the effects of C-banding on chromosome structure is discussed.

Reverse differential staining of sister chromatids induced by Hoechst plus black light and endonuclease

A differential Giemsa staining between sister chromatids was obtained by treating chromosomes replicated twice in medium containing 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) with Hoechst 33258 plus black light at 55 degrees C (HB pretreatment) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) I, II, or micrococcal nuclease. In this staining pattern the BrdU bifilarly substituted chromatids were darkly and the unifilarly substituted chromatids lightly stained. This staining pattern was obtained only by staining the HB-DNase I-treated chromosomes with Giemsa and methylene blue, not by several other dyes tested. Relatively more DNA labelling was removed from the non-BrdU-substituted than the BrdU-substituted chromosomes, when the HB-pretreated chromosomes were digested with DNase I. But the protein labelling was not removed appreciably in the same treatment. The differential DNase I sensitivity between the non-BrdU-substituted and BrdU-substituted chromosomes disappeared when the HB-pretreated chromosomes were incubated with proteinase K before The DNase I digestion. Moreover, no differential DNase I sensitivity was found between the HB-pretreated isolated DNA containing and not containing BrdU. We propose that during the HB pretreatment, more DNA-protein cross-linkings are induced in BrdU bifilarly substituted than the unifilarly substituted chromatids. This structure protects the chromosomal DNA against the DNase I digestion. Thus, a reverse differential Giemsa staining between sister chromatids is obtained by the HB-DNase I treatment.

G-bands without pretreatment of slides, in chemically defined conditions

We investigated the capability of Giemsa dyes to produce G-bands without pretreatment of slides in chemically defined conditions. G-banding was produced between pH 7.0 and pH 11.0. Within this range, we observed that the achievement of G-bands was dependent on the ionic strength and time of staining. From these data and from those of other authors on other chemical variables and on the mechanisms of staining, we propose a working hypothesis of G-band formation, with a step involving shrinkage of the chromatids and rearrangement of the chromosome fiber during the staining process.

Reversible differential decondensation of unfixed Chinese hamster chromosomes induced by change in calcium ion concentration of the medium

Differential decondensation of isolated unfixed Chinese hamster metaphase chromosomes was obtained by decreasing the calcium ion concentration in the surrounding medium. A banded appearance of the swollen chromosomes could be observed either directly by phase contrast microscopy or after glutaraldehyde fixation and staining. There was a gradual transition from homogeneously dense to banded and finally to extensively decondensed chromosomes. The patterns induced at different stages were similar to those observed on fixed chromosomes after standard banding procedures (i.e., G-, Cd-, Ag-NOR-staining). Chromosomes decondensation could be reversed by the addition of calcium ions to the medium. Ca ++-dependent reversible differential chromosome decondensation was not observed if the chromosomes were previously treated with 0.35 M NaCl. Chromosome regions which had incorporated BrdU into their DNA were more resistant to a decrease in calcium ion concentration than BrdU non-substituted regions.

Prefixation chromosome banding with heparin

Attempts to achieve chromosomal banding by removal of histone proteins by acid or fixation procedures have failed up to now. Numerous biochemical investigations have shown that heparin has a strong and specific affinity to histone proteins. We describe a procedure by which treatment with heparin of nonfixed and fixed metaphase chromosomes leads to G banding; in the former case the effect is observed after a few minutes of heparin treatment; in the latter, much higher concentrations of heparin and 18--24 h incubation are needed. The morphologic effects of heparin treatment, the gradual disruption of chromosomal and nuclear chromatin, are associated with progressive reduction of histone detection (until completely negative) by the alkaline fast green test.

Photographic equidensitometry of metaphase chromosomes

Photographic equidensitometry, which is a procedure to obtain specific lines or symbols for points of equal optical density, has been utilized in the study of chromosome images. Equidensitometric techniques, using a special contour film, permitted three approaches, namely, production of line equidensities (in the form of families, sequences and contour maps), color equidensifies (color conversion of line sequences), and screen equidensities (substituting characteristic symbols for densities). All these techniques have proved very useful to analyze images of metaphase chromosomes and occurrence of spontaneous banding patterns, by showing the precise distribution and relative values of the grey gradient. This report demonstrates the potential of photograhic equidensitometrical procedures for chromosome studies, which obviates the need to purchase elaborate equipment.

A pepsin-revealed material possibly related to chromosomal banding

The enzymes pepsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, trypsin, RNase and DNase were applied to preparations of human metaphase chromosomes before staining to study whether dissociable materials related to the formation of G-, Q- and C-bands would be seen. Treatment with active pepsin but not the other enzymes revealed material with ribonucleo-protein properties which dissociated from the chromosomes and formed a halo.--Lateral extensions from the chromatids stretched to the rim of the halo and appeared at positions corresponding to G-bands. A G-band may be defined as a ring of stable chromatid-matrix binding at positions where the chromatids coil to form lateral extensions.

A modified Giemsa C-banding technique for Hordeum species

A Giemsa C-banding technique with a hot 1 N HCl hydrolysis step has been developed for barley chromosomes. This step makes it easy to obtain well separated C-banded chromosomes. To compare this technique with other C-banding techniques, chromosomes of H. vulgare cv. York were stained by both this technique and a modification of the technique of Kimber et al. (1976). With respect to centromeric and intercalary bands, both techniques produce a similar banding pattern, but telomeric bands observed by the modified technique of Kimber et al. (1976) were not detected by our procedure. This indicates that telomeric heterochromatin may be different chemically and/or structurally from the centromeric and intercalary heterochromatin and its appearance dependent upon the C-banding technique. The procedure described provides a relatively rapid technique for C-banding of barley chromosomes.

Fluorescent C bands of human chromosomes with 33 258 Hoechst stain

Air-dried preparations of human metaphase chromosomes normally exhibit a Q band fluorescence pattern with 33 258 Hoechst stain while the C band regions of 1,9,16, and most acrocentric short arms appear dull. If these stained and mounted slides are stored at room temperature in the dark for several days, a spontaneous change from C-negative to C-positive band some times occurs. We postulate that the pH of the buffered saline mounting medium during storage of the slides causes the C band shift since the results can be duplicated experimentally by lowering the pH of the mounting buffer from 5.5 to 4.0.

Synaptonemal complex karyotyping in spermatocytes of the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). I. Morphology of the autosomal complement in spread preparations

Using the Counce-Meyer spreading technique, in over 70 spermatocytes it was possible consistently to obtain whole, flattened nuclei containing complete sets of pachytene SCs. The SCs are visible in both the phase and electron microscopes. Each SC is morphologically intact, preferentially stained, and attached to the nuclear envelope by a dense, terminal plaque. It is thus possible to trace each SC for its entire length. Also, a structure representing the kinetochore is clearly visible in each autosomal SC. Karyotypes comparable to the somatic karyotype can be constructed by arranging SCs according to length and kinetochore position. The observed regularity of SC morphology implies structural stability sufficient to withstand the stresses imposed by the procedure.--A coarse network of closely packed nuclear annuli connecting SC attachment plaques often provides end-to-end associations and may tend to immobilize SCs during processing.--Three kinds of perturbation of SC structure are encountered. Twists in the SC frequently occur, but no regular pattern or correspondence with chiasma distribution is observed. SCs occasionally hook around each other without disruption, but in two instances the unpaired axis of the X apparently was interlocked within an autosomal SC. Streching of the SC is infrequent; it is conspicous when it occurs and is usaully associated with other obvious distortions of the nucleus.--Distinctive morphologies of the X and Y chromosomes facilitate their identification inall preparations.--During zygotene, autosomal synapsis, i.e., the formation of SCs from the pairing of single axial elements, initiates at distal ends and terminates at the kinetochore region; neither initiation nor termination is synchronous among all autosomes.

[Differential Giemsa staining of heterochromatic regions in the chromosomes of Vicia faba, Allium cepa and Paeonia tenuifolia]

Hypotheses for the mechanism of differential Giemsa staining of euchromatin and heterochromatin are discussed. The banding-patterns of Vicia faba, Allium cepa and Paeonia tenuifolia are described. Heterochromatic chromosome segments have been identified in metaphase chromosomes to correspond with those to be found in interphase nuclei. The fact that the number of chromocenters is usually smaller than the number of Giemsa bands in the metaphase chromosomes is supposed to be due to fusion of heterochromatic sections during interphase. Within each species non-homologous chromosomes exhibit similar patterns. The significance of this phenomenon, which has been called "aequilocal heterochromacy" by Heitz, is so far unknown.

C-BANDING OF RYE CHROMOSOMES WITH COLD SSC BUFFER

Various times, temperatures and concentrations of SSC were tested in an attempt to elucidate the mechanism of C-banding in plants. It is shown that C-bands can be induced in rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosomes by SSC treatment at temperatures as low as 0 °C for periods as short as 1 min, an effect previously unknown in either plants or animals. Barium hydroxide treatment appears to be essential for the production of bands. If chromosomes are treated with SSC omitting the Ba(OH)2 treatment, relatively uniform loss of nucleoproteins occurs without the production of C-bands. It is suggested that Ba(OH)2 alters the chemical structure of nucleoproteins in heterochromatin rendering them insoluble in SSC. It is unlikely that SSC functions as a DNA reassociation agent in the production of C-bands. More likely it functions as a leaching agent which extracts soluble nucleoproteins from the chromosomes. Incubation in 2 × SSC at room temperatures for 5-10 min was found to be sufficient for the production of a well contrasted banding pattern in rye chromosomes.

Configurational changes in chromatids from helical to banded structures

Induction of configurational changes in the helical chromatids of air dried chromosomes was used to explore the mechanism of G-banding. From the water-Giemsa stained metaphase spreads of Chinese hamster cells, chromosomes having clearly helical chromatids were selected and photographed. Then the chromosomes were decolorized, treated with trypsin, and restained with saline-Giemsa (1X SSC). Such procedures were repeatedly carried out upon the same chromosomes. Subsequent examination of the chromosomes showed that configurational changes from a helical structure to a banded structure had occurred. Some chromosomes revealed a variety of transitional changes between these two configurations. During the repeated G-banding treatments, the distances between bands along the same chromatids changed each time. The results obtained seem to indicate that the G-banding results from locally induced compaction of chromosomal materials along the chromatids.

Chromosome organisation in the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera. 1. Banding relationships of the normal and supernumerary chromosomes

In Chortoicetes terminifera, G-banding, produced by the trypsin treatment of air-dried slides followed by Giemsa staining, leads to light staining gaps at the secondary constrictions on autosomal pair 6 and regions proximal to the centromere on the long arms of pair 4. The variable short arms of two of the three smallest pairs were usually flared and lightly stained after treatment. In contrast to the relatively minor response of the normal chromosome set to G-banding, the large supernumerary chromosomes of C. terminifera show a spectacular series of dark bands alternating with lightly stained gaps. Two G-band variants of the B-chromosome were found in a laboratory stock. These patterns of G-banding are discernable both at mitosis in adults and embryos of both sexes and at all stages of male meiosis. Some regions which are gaps after G-banding appear as dark bands after C-banding. Consequently the supernumerary chromosome is mainly darkly stained with C-banding. In addition the centromeres and some telomeres are C-banded along with narrow interstitial bands and polymorphic heterochromatic blocks.--C-banding was not always successful, the technique often yields a mixture of G- and C-banding. The disparity of banding between the normal complement and the B-chromosome implies that whatever the source of origin of the B it has undergone spectacular changes in organisation since its origin.

Mapping of sister-chromatid exchanges in human chromosomes using G-banding and autoradiography

Lumphocytes were pulse-labelled with [3H] thymidine. Following G-banding, the cells were autoradiographed and 46 in their third post-labelling division selected. The locations of 611 sister-chromatid exchanges (SCE's) which had occurred in the previous two cell cycles were recorded as label discontinuities along identified chromosomes. Between particular chromosomes, SCE frequency was proportional to chromosome length. SCE frequency distributions within particular chromosomes fitted Poisson expectations. There was no over-representation of exchanges in centromeric regions, or in the C-banded regions of chromosomes 1, 9 and 16. A trend of increased frequency of SCE in darkly G-banded regions and in relatively darkly banded chromosomes was evident. The apparent excess of SCE in dark G-bands could be considered to be a consequence of the more condensed state of the DNA in these regions in the interphase nucleus relative to the DNA in pale G-band regions. Such compaction could result in an enhanced probability of SCE and a reduced probability of gross inter- or intra-change involving these regions. In contrast, the more extended interphase state of the DNA in pale G-banded regions would allow non-homologous exchange and account for the preferred location of X-ray-induced exchange events to pale G-bands.

The fine structure of human chromosomes isolated by shearing-sieving

Chromosomes isolated by the new technique of shearing-sieving, even if unstained, show a less degraded organisation than those prepared for the electron microscope by other techniques. The chromosomes are banded, may show more bands if stretched, and the centromere is a precisely defined structure. Appearances resulting from this technique are compared with those from other techniques.

The B-chromosome system of Tettigidea lateralis (Say). II. New karyomorphs, patterns of pycnosity and giemsa-banding

Additional samples from a discrete population of the pygmy grasshopper Tettigidea lateralis, at the periphery of the species range, have shown that the frequency of the B-chromosomes has remained stable over a two year period (30-35%), and that there is not significant difference for this metric in the two sexes. The intensity of the preferential movement of the B with the X at male first meiotic division has also remained constant in time and homogenous in different individuals. Hence it is possible that this distortional effect plays a role in the equilibrium frequency of the B in the population. The B's may possess special adaptive properties under ecologically marginal conditions, since in a number of more 'central' demes they occur at much lowere frequencies (7-9%). -Unique morphological and/or behavioral variants of the standard B were encountered in addition to distinct cases of spontaneous fragmentation of A elements. The meiotic behavior and chromatic expression of these centric fragments provide evidence on the possible origin and evolution of supernumeraries. A modified. Giemsa staining technique has been used to identify regions of centromeric (C-) hererochromatin in mitotic and meiotic chromosomes. The C-banding pattern of the X and the allocyclically similar B is compared. It suggested that the B may have originated from the X by deletion of centromeric heterochromatin. This may have affected the centromere "strength" of the nascent B leading to its preferential movement with the X at anaphase I.

Identification of pachytene bivalents in human male meiosis using G-banding technique

G-banding of human pachytene bivalents is obtained using trypsin digestion. Each of the 22 autosomal bivalents is clearly identified. Such an identification leads to construction of the human pachytene map. Our results show the equivalence between the G-band patterns of mitotic chromosomes and meiotic bivalents. The G-band patterns of mitotic-meiotic chromosomes also correlate closely with the chromomere sequence of pachytene bivalents. Thus, study of chromomeres should constitute an excellent approach to comprehension of G-banding mechanism.

Mechanisms of chromosome banding. VII. Interaction of methylene blue with DNA and chromatin

The binding of methylene blue to DNA and chromatin treated in various ways was examined by equilibrium dialysis. The maximum r value (moles of bound dye/mole of nucleotide) was 1.0 for DNA, 0.6 for unfixed chromatin, and 0.83 for chromatin fixed in methanol-acetic acid. When fixed chromatin was treated with saline-citrate at 60 degrees C for 3 hours, as used for G-banding chromosomes, the r value decreased from 0.83 to 0.55. When unfixed chromatin was treated as for R-banding the r values also dropped. Equilibrium dialysis indicated there was no disproportionate increase of dye binding as the concentration of DNA increased. -- These results, and others, suggest that some of the Giemsa negative regions of G- and R-banded chromosomes are due to the denaturation of non-histone proteins so that they more effectively cover the DNA and prevent side binding of the thiazin dyes.