Abstract
Specific banding patterns can be produced on the mitotic chromosomes of the newt species Triturus vulgaris meridionalis and T. italicus by using the Giemsa stain technique. These bands are most useful cytogenetic markers in karyotyping, since they facilitate identification of the individual elements of the complements. Evaluation of the shape of chromosomes as well as of the banding patterns produced by the Giemsa stain indicates that the karyotypes of T. vulgaris meridionalis and T. italicus are differentiated: hence the specific distinction of the two Salamandrids, still debated by taxonomists, appears supported by chromosome evidence. — Most of the bands seem to correspond to the heterochromatic tracts observable on mitotic chromosomes from embryos and larvae either untreated or submitted to cold treatment. Besides, the comparison of mitotic karyotypes and lampbrush maps shows that the bands located near the centromeric regions of mitotic chromosomes probably correspond to the so-called bars visible on either side of centromeres of lampbrush chromosomes, while some of the subterminal bands may correspond to the sphere.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Arrighi, F. E., Hsu, T.: Localization of heterochromatin in human chromosomes. Cytogenetics 10, 81–86 (1971).
Barr, H. J., Ellison, J. R.: Quinacrine staining of chromosomes and evolutionary studies in Drosophila. Nature (Lond.) 233, 190–191 (1971).
Barsacchi, G., Bussotti, L., Mancino, G.: The maps of the lampbrush chromosomes of Triturus (Amphibia Urodela). IV. Triturus vulgaris meridionalis. Chromosoma (Berl.) 31, 255–279 (1970).
Barsacchi, G., Gall, J. G.: Chromosomal localization of repetitive DNA in the newt, Triturus. J. Cell Biol. 54, 580–591 (1972).
Boulenger, G. A.: Les Batraciens. Paris: O. Doin et Fils, Éd. 1910.
Callan, H. G.: Heterochromatin in Triton. Proc. roy. Soc. B 130, 324–335 (1942).
Callan, H. G., Lloyd, L.: Lampbrush chromosomes. In: New approaches in cell biology (P. M. B. Walker, ed.). New York: Academic Press 1960.
Caspersson, T., Lomakka, G., Zech, L.: The 24 fluorescence patterns of the human metaphase chromosomes—distinguishing characters and variability. Hereditas (Lund) 67, 89–102 (1971).
Caspersson, T., Zech, L., Johansson, C., Modest, E. J.: Identification of human chromosomes by DNA-binding fluorescent agents. Chromosoma (Berl.) 30, 215–227 (1970).
Caspersson, T., Zech, L., Modest, E. J., Foley, G. E., Wagh, U., Simonsson, E.: Chemical differentiation with fluorescent alkylating agents in Vicia faba metaphase chromosomes. Exp. Cell Res. 58, 128–140 (1969).
Drets, M. E., Shaw, M. W.: Specific banding patterns of human chromosomes. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 68, 2073–2077 (1971).
Dutrillaux, B., Grouchy, J., de, Finaz, C., Lejeune, J.: Mise en évidence de la structure fine des chromosomes humains par digestion enzymatique (pronase en particulier). C. R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 273, 587–588 (1971).
Gall, J. G., Pardue, M. L.: Nucleic acid hybridization in cytological preparation. In: Methods in enzymology (L. Grossman and K. Moldave eds.), vol. 31, p. 470–480. New York: Academic Press 1971.
Labrousse, M., Guillemin, C., Gallien, L.: Mise en évidence sur les chromosomes de l'Amphibien Pleurodeles waltlii Michah. de secteurs d'affinité différente pour le colorant de Giemsa à pH 9. C. R. Acad. Sci. (Paris) 274, 1063–1065 (1972).
Lomholt, B., Mohr, J.: Human karyotyping by heat-Giemsa staining and comparison with fluorochrome techniques. Nature (Lond.) New Biol. 234, 109–110 (1971).
Macgregor, H. C., Kezer, J.: The chromosomal localization of a heavy satellite DNA in the testis of Plethodon c. cinereus. Chromosoma (Berl.) 33, 167–182 (1971).
Mancino, G.: Anomalie meiotiche nella spermatogenesi dell'ibrido Triturus italicus ♀ x Triturus vulgaris ♂. Boll. Zool. 28, 691–701 (1961).
Mancino, G.: Sulla validità specifica di Triturus italicus (Peracca 1898) (Anfibi Urodeli). Acc. Naz. Lincei Ser. VIII 44, 697–700 (1968).
Mancino, G., Barsacchi, G.: The maps of the lampbrush chromosomes of Triturus. III. Triturus italicus. Ann. Embr. Morph. 2, 355–377 (1969).
Mancino, G., Barsacchi, G., Nardi, I.: Uno studio autoradiografico sulla sintesi di RNA nei lampbrush chromosomes di Triturus (Anfibi Urodeli). Boll. Zool.34, 134 (1967).
Mancino, G., Barsacchi, G., Nardi, I.: Ulteriori ricerehe autoradiografiche sull' incorporazione di H3 fenilalanina nei lampbrush chromosomes di Triturus (Anfibi Urodeli). Acc. Naz. Lincei Ser. VIII 45, 180–184 (1968).
Mancino, G., Nardi, I.: Chromosomal heteromorphism and female heterogamety in the marbled newt Triturus marmoratus (Latreille, 1800). Experientia (Basel) 27, 821–822 (1971).
Mancino, G., Poggi, M.: Prime osservazioni sulla meiosi femminile in alcuni Anfibi Urodeli. Acc. Naz Lincei 35, 591–597 (1963).
Mertens, R., Wermuth, H.: Die Amphibien und Reptilien Europas. Frankfurt am Main: Waldemar Kramer 1960.
Nardi, I., Mancino, G.: Mitotic karyotype and nucleoli of the marbled newt Triturus marmoratus (Latreille). Experientia (Basel) 27, 424–427 (1971).
Nardi, I., Ragghianti, M., Mancino, G.: Characterization of the lampbrush chromosomes of the marbled newt Triturus marmoratus (Latreille, 1800). Chromosoma (Berl.) 37, 1–22 (1972).
Pardue, M. L., Gall, J. G.: Chromosomal localization of mouse satellite DNA. Science 168, 1356–1358 (1970).
Patil, S. R., Merrick, S., Lubs, H. A.: Identification of each human chromosome with a modified Giemsa stain. Science 173, 821–822 (1971).
Pearson, P. L., Borrow, M.: Technique for identifying Y chromosomes in human interphase nuclei. Nature (Lond.) 226, 78–80 (1970).
Peracca, M. G.: Descrizione di una nuova specie di tritone italiano, Molge italica, n. sp. Boll. Musei Zool. Anat. comp. Univ. Torino, 13, 1–6 (1898).
Schreiber, E.: Herpetologia europaea. Jena: Gustav Fischer 1912.
Steward, J. W.: The tailed amphibians of Europe. Newton Abbot: David and Charles 1969.
Sumner, A. T., Evans, H. J., Buckland, R. A.: New technique for distinguishing between human chromosomes. Nature (Lond.) 232, 31–32 (1971).
Thorn, R.: Les salamandres. Paris: Paul Lechevalier, Éd. 1968.
Vandoni, C.: Gli Anfibi d'Italia. Milano: Ulrico Hoepli 1914.
Wang, H. C., Fedoroff, S.: Banding in human chromosomes treated with trypsin. Nature (Lond.) New Biol. 235, 52–53 (1972).
Yunis, J. J., Roldan, L., Yasmineh, W. G., Lee, J. C.: Staining of satellite DNA in metaphase chromosomes Nature (Lond.) 231, 532–533 (1971).
Yunis, J. J., Yasmineh, W. G.: Heterochromatin, satellite DNA, and cell function. Science 174, 1200–1209 (1971).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was financially supported by C. N. R., Roma.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Nardi, I., Ragghianti, M. & Mancino, G. Banding patterns in newt chromosomes by the giemsa stain. Chromosoma 40, 321–331 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00399425
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00399425