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Two simple methods for the preparation of mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of orthoptera

Maria José de Souza

Departamento de Biologia Geral, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50739 Recife, PE, Brasil

ABSTRACT

Two alternative methods for the preparation of orthopteran chromosomes are described: the first is based on mitotic or meiotic cell suspensions in a glass tube, and the second one on cell "spreading" directly on microscope slides. The methods were used to prepare chromosomes from grasshoppers belonging to the genera Xyleus, Schistocerca, Abracris, Chromacris and Tropidacris. The techniques gave satisfactory and highly reproducible results.

Keywords: Chromosomes; Orthoptera.

REFERENCES

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