CENTROMERIC BANDING IN MAIZE

Abstract

A modified Leishman C-banding technique is described which can produce a complete set of centromeric bands on the somatic metaphase chromosomes of maize (Zea mays L.). Several interstitial (minor) C-bands, additional to those revealed by the conventional C-banding method, were observed. Centromeric bands were produced only after both an alkali and salt treatment were incorporated into the treatment schedule and a subsequent water rinse was omitted. Apparently, the combined action of alkali and salt treatments provided a positive contribution to the centromeric regions which otherwise remained unstained using the standard C-banding technique.