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Cytological mapping of human chromosomes: results obtained with Quinacrine fluorescence and the Acetic-Saline-Giemsa techniques

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Abstract

The similarities and differences between the banding patterns obtained in human chromosomes with the Quinacrine fluorescence and the Acetic-Saline-Giemsa (ASG) techniques are described. The use of these techniques to identify each chromosome pair in the human karyotype is discussed, as also is the use of the methods to identify aberrant chromosomes and to map points of exchange in translocations and inversions. A number of examples are used to illustrate the resolution permitted by these new methods. Seven polymorphic regions on normal chromosomes are described, which include four identified by fluorescence on chromosomes 3,4, 13, and 22. The secondary constrictions on chromosomes 1, 9, and 16, which had previously been observed in conventionally stained preparations from favourable material, are particularly clear in all cells treated with the Giemsa techniques. The new methods make it possible to detect small differences in size between the heterochromatic blocks at these regions in homologous chromosomes. The benefit to human genetics of studying the familial segregation of both structurally rearranged and normal, but polymorphic chromosomes, where the chromosomes or parts of chromosomes can be unambiguously identified is stressed.

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Evans, H.J., Buckton, K.E. & Sumner, A.T. Cytological mapping of human chromosomes: results obtained with Quinacrine fluorescence and the Acetic-Saline-Giemsa techniques. Chromosoma 35, 310–325 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00326281

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00326281

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