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Analysis of Y chromosome heterochromatin in Rumex thyrsiflorus

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The Y chromosome heterochromatin in Rumex thyrsiflorus has been analyzed. In natural populations the Y chromosome shows a higher morphological variability than the X chromosome. The total duration of replication of Y chromosomes is about 2 hrs longer than that of euchromatin. Autoradiography with tritiated thymidine showed that chromocentres formed by Y chromosomes in interphase nuclei retain their heterochromatic form during DNA replication. — Y chromosome heterochromatin in interphase nuclei is stained pink, while the rest of the nucleus stains green after fast green-eosin staining for histones. — During the premeiotic stage of PMC development Y chromosomes are no longer visible as compact bodies and become more fuzzy in appearance. A diffuse state of Y coincides with intense RNA synthesis. Therefore genetic activity of Y chromosomes or their parts during premeiotic stage of microsporogenesis is postulated.

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Żuk, J. Analysis of Y chromosome heterochromatin in Rumex thyrsiflorus . Chromosoma 27, 338–353 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00326170

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00326170

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