Three-Dimensional Visualization Of Miotic Chromosomes In Maize Trisomy 6

Abstract

The ability to visualize the chromosomes, especially in three-dimensional (3D) space, has great benefits for the understanding of genes’ function. The availability of various trisomic genotype in maize provides an excellent system for the study of 3D chromosome arrangement at various developmental stages. Laser scanning confocal microscopy and digital deconvolution technique is best suited for this type of work. A preliminary database on the three-dimensional arrangement of Ohio43 inbred line has been established; this information is essential for the evaluation of the effect of additional chromosome in trisomy genotypes.Tassel inflorescence of maize (Zea mays L.) trisomy 6 in Ohio43 background were collected from the field station at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada, during the summer of 1998. Tassels at the proper developmental stages were fixed in 3:1 (95% EtOH / acetic acid) solution and stored at room temperature. After dissection from the spikelet, anthers were treated with the Feulgen-method, dehydrated in ethanol series and cleared in methyl salicylate.