Giemsa banding patterns of human chromosomes*

Abstract

A method of obtaining differentially stained chromosomes is described. The method based on the treatment of the chromosomes with NaOH and subsequent incubation in phosphate buffer and Giemsa staining gave distinct banding patterns in both blood and bone marrow chromosomes. The banding patterns in some instances agreed closely with those of other methods but in others they were dissimilar. A probable explanation for the differences in banding patterns is the various treatments involved in producing banded chromosomes. While repetitive DNA may play a part in band formation, other factors may also be important.