Abstract
So far as we know polytene chromosomes have been previously observed only as typical structures in the salivary gland cells of Diptera, and in certain plant cells. By using orcein we have been able to demonstrate such structures (Fig. 1) in the macronuclear anlage of Stylonychia muscorum Kahl (a hypotrichous ciliate). According to our preliminary observations, there are in this species 50–60 giant chromosomes which show a great diversity in both size and banding. They range from 15µ to 55µ, in length, and from 0.8µ to 2.5µ in width.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ALONSO, P., PÉBEZ-SILVA, J. Giant Chromosomes in Protozoa. Nature 205, 313–314 (1965). https://doi.org/10.1038/205313a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/205313a0
- Springer Nature Limited
This article is cited by
-
Molecular genetics of a ciliate
Carlsberg Research Communications (1984)
-
Polytene chromosomes of Oxytricha: Biochemical and morphological changes during macronuclear development in a ciliated protozoan
Chromosoma (1976)
-
Development of the macronuclear anlage in the ciliate Chilodonella uncinata
Chromosoma (1974)
-
Morphology and development of the macronuclei of the ciliates Stylonychia mytilus and Euplotes aediculatus
Chromosoma (1971)
-
Polytene chromosomes and nucleic acid metabolism during macronuclear development in Euplotes
Chromosoma (1970)