Chromosome banding in aphids: G, C, AluI, and HaeIII banding patterns in Megoura viciae (Homoptera, Aphididae)

Abstract

The holocentric mitotic chromosomes of Megoura viciae, a species that has been little studied cytogenetically to date, have been characterized by applying G, C, AluI, and HaeIII banding techniques. C bands have shown the best defined patterns, particularly on the X chromosome. This chromosome, on the other hand, behaved as the most reactive to the various treatments. Uncondensed, prometaphase X chromosomes showed a number of heterochromatic bands, interspersed among the euchromatin, which fused together during metaphase condensation. AluI and HaeIII treatments also produced reproducible banding patterns. These data permit an accurate identification of the X chromosome as well as of the autosomal pairs 1 and 2, and facilitate the construction of nonambiguous karyotypes. They will also stimulate studies on the organization of chromatin in holocentric, holokinetic chromosomes. Finally they could also promote research on chromosomal rearrangements that have occurred during the course of speciation and evolution of aphids, since these kinds of events may be significantly affected by the condition of chromosomal holocentrism.Key words: aphids, holocentric chromosomes, chromosome banding, heterochromatin.