Abstract
The male chromosome complement of Psophus stridulus (L.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) has been analyzed by using orcein staining, C-banding and silver impregnation. During spermatogenesis only one pair of autosomes (M9) shows an active nucleolar organizer region located in a C-banded constriction. There are other chromosome pairs with constrictions but these do not show nucleolar activity. The relationship between these constrictions and the C-banding pattern exhibited by this species is analyzed.
In a sample of 83 males from five populations, two different supernumerary chromosomes were observed. Four males had a metacentric B-chromosome (Bm) similar in size to the sex chromosome and mitotically stable. Its meiotic behaviour indicates that it is an isochromosome. An additional small B-chromosome (B8) was also found in a single follicle of one individual carrying the Bm.
A high rate of abnormal spermatids (macrospermatids) was scored in the individuals carrying B's. This proportion is notably higher in the follicle containing both the Bm and the B8.
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Suja, J.A., Gosálvez, J., López-Fernández, C. et al. A cytogenetic analysis in Psophus stridulus (L.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae): B-chromosomes and abnormal spermatid nuclei. Genetica 70, 217–224 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00122189
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00122189