Differential Giemsa Staining in Plants. Vi. Centromeric Banding

Somatic metaphase chromosomes of Tulipa which were subjected to various hydrolyses with several times and temperatures displayed two distinctive types of C-banding when stained using the BSG (Barium hydroxide/Saline/Giemsa) chromosome banding technique. In addition to the two types of Giemsa bands, namely intercalary/terminal and centromeric, a unique transition from the former to the latter type of banding was observed. That is, at the point of transition from intercalary/terminal to centromeric banding, both types were present at one time. The two types of Giemsa banding resulted from different HCl hydrolysis times and temperatures; centromeric bands being observed after either a prolonged hydrolysis at room temperature or an increase in the hydrolysis temperature to 60 °C. These results are discussed in relation to the mechanisms of chromosome banding.