Avian Chromosome Methodology

Abstract

PRODUCTIVE research in cytogenetics depends upon a mastery of chromosome methodology which reveals the structure, activity or other facts about the chromosomes. The chromosomes may then be analyzed, photographed, counted, or whatever is necessary to give meaning to the work at hand. Avian cytogenetics is on the brink of becoming an exciting and productive field with profitable extensions into the cytotaxonomy of avian species, cell line genetics, and other research where the bird, the embryo or avian cells comprise the experimental material. Until recently the methods of handling chromosomes in birds left much to be desired in the quality of the preparations. The following—described methods for securing chromosome preparations are simple, consistent and reliable for both mitotic and meiotic materials. The mitotic metaphase configurations are suited for species karyotype, cell identification, and diagnosis of numerical chromosomal changes (trisomies, etc.). Meiotic material is useful in cytogenetics for recognition of structural …