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Distribution of telomere DNA in mitotic and polytene nuclei of the anther tapetum of a tetraploid hybrid bean, Phaseolus vulgaris x P. acutifolius

Marcelo Guerra^I Ann Kenton^II+

^IDepartamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50732-970 Recife, PE, Brasil
^IIJodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3DS, UK
⁺Deceased

ABSTRACT

The distribution of telomeres was analysed by in situ hybridization with biotin labelled synthetic oligomers in root tips and anther tapetum nuclei of the amphidiploid Phaseolus vulgaris x P. acutifolius. Most metaphase telomeres were labelled with probe, although with varying signal strength. Diploid interphase nuclei presented some signals near the nuclear envelope and some scattered throughout the nucleus. Differentiated interphase cells showed more condensed chromocentres with signals at both termini, suggesting more restricted chromosome domains. Polytene cells, on the other hand, presented a proportionally smaller number of signals which were preferentially located near or at the chromocentres. No association between telomeres and the nuclear envelope was observed. Some signals were exceptionally large, indicating fusion or differential amplification. Although the general structure of diploid and polytene nuclei seems to be conserved, some molecular aspects of the nuclear organization may be altered.

Keywords: telomere DNA; mitotic; polytene nuclei; anther tapetum; tetraploid hybrid bean; Phaseolus vulgaris; P. acutifolius.

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