Cytogenetics Analysis in Somatic Cells of <i>Dermatophyllum secundiflorum</i> (Mescal Bean) Reveals Satellite Association on Subtelocentric Chromosomes

Abstract

A cytogenetic analysis of chromosomes in mitotic metaphase of Dermatophyllum secundiflorum, a recently synonymized species, collected in the municipality of Cardonal (Hidalgo State, Mexico) was performed. The objective was not only to obtain the karyotype, but also cytogenetic markers such as secondary constrictions and satellites. A conventional method of air drying and Giemsa staining was used in cells from root meristems which confirmed a 2n=18. The formula for the haploid karyotype was 6m+2sm+1st sat . The secondary constrictions and microsatellites were clearly located on the short arm of the st chromosomes, which differs from a previous study that placed them on metacentric chromosomes. Occasionally, metaphase plates exhibited satellite associations involving the secondary constrictions and satellites of the st chromosomes, the role of which is discussed in light of the limited information available.

Chromosome Complements and Karyological Studies in <i>Medicago</i> Species

“…Cytological investigations often yield comprehensive information about the genetic architecture of a particular species or group of closely related species, or for that matter, species within a genus (Joshi et al 2006). The detection, visualization, and thorough analysis of mitotic complements of somatic cells in plants can thus provide the basis to identify the nature and decipher probable causes of such variations among plant species and their evolution (Rao and Chandel 1991, Hynniewta et al 2011, Shamurailatpam 2012, Moraes et al 2020, Tapia-Pastrana et al 2021. However, there are many plant genera where small size of chromosomes poses a hurdle for discerning the chromosomal-related information, which often results in haphazard and in-conclusive inferences.…”