A NEW FIXATIVE AND IMPROVED PROPIONOCARMINE SQUASH TECHNIQUE FOR STAINING FUNGUS NUCLEI

Abstract

A new fixative, which is composed of butyl alcohol, acetic acid, and chromic acid, is introduced. This BAC mixture fixes nuclear details, and cytoplasm is not granulated to any extent. Details of staining procedures and helpful hints for successful staining are given. This improved technique differentiates all stages of nuclear division from interphase to interphase in the vegetative hyphae of fungi as well as in the sexual stage. Chromosomes, nucleoli, and centrioles are clearly shown. A series of mitotic figures in germ tubes of Neurospora crassa and some meiotic figures in Gelasinospora calospora are attached as illustrations.