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Molecular and cytological characteristics of nuclear DNA and chromatin for angiosperm systematics: DNA diversification in the evolution of four orchids

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Abstract

The species- and genus-specific DNA content, average base composition of nuclear DNA, presence or absence of satellite DNA, the percentage of heterochromatin and other characteristics of nuclear DNA and nuclear structure allow to deduce the molecular changes which accompanied, or more probably caused, cladogenesis in the orchids studied. It is suggested that saltatory replication (generative amplification) of certain DNA sequenes, diversification of reiterated DNA sequences, and loss of DNA play an important role in the evolution of orchids.—The relationship between changes of genome composition and of nuclear structure and ultrastructure is discussed on the basis of cot curves, heterochromatin staining with Giemsa (C banding), electron microscopy of nuclei, and molecular hybridization in situ.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Botany, The University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 360, D-6900, Heidelberg 1, Federal Republic of Germany

    Ingrid Capesius

  2. Department of Biology, The University, Postfach 3049, D-6750, Kaiserslautern, Federal Republic of Germany

    Walter Nagl

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  1. Ingrid Capesius
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  2. Walter Nagl
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Capesius, I., Nagl, W. Molecular and cytological characteristics of nuclear DNA and chromatin for angiosperm systematics: DNA diversification in the evolution of four orchids. Pl Syst Evol 129, 143–166 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00990757

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00990757

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