Numerical variations in species exhibiting holocentric chromosomes: a nomenclatural proposal

Abstract

SUMMARYThis article reviews the types of numerical variation in chromosomes, with special emphasis on those organisms which have holocentric chromosomes. Terminological aspects are discussed with reference to monocentric as well as holocentric chromosomes. The term symploidy (partial or total) is proposed to include ploidy levels generated by fusion of some or all of the set of chromosomes.