GIEMSA BANDING OF THE CHROMOSOMES OF THE DOMESTIC SHEEP (OVIS ARIES)

Abstract

A Giemsa banding procedure was used to construct a basic G-band idiogram for the domestic sheep. The idiogram is labelled in a systematic manner according to the routine recommended for human chromosomes. This pattern based on NaOH treatment, provides a standard of comparison for further studies on intra- and interspecific chromosome homologies in addition to identification of chromosomal abnormalities.Late replicating regions of chromosomal DNA were detected with tritiated thymidine. Partial homologies between G-bands and these late replicating areas were found. Previously reported areas of prevalent secondary constrictions were seen to coincide with late replicating, G-positive regions on the metacentric and X chromosomes.