Localization of chromosome regions in potoroo nuclei (Potorous tridactylus Marsupialia: Potoroinae)

Abstract

Chromosome paints of the rat kangaroo (Aepyprymnus rufuscens, 2n=32) were used to define chromosome regions in the long nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus, 2n=l2 female, 13 male) karyotype and localize these regions in three-dimensionally preserved nuclei of the potoroo to test the hypothesis that marsupial chromosomes have a radial distribution. In human nuclei chromosomes are distributed in a proposed radial fashion. Gene-rich chromosomes in the human interphase nucleus are preferentially located in the central area while gene-poor chromosomes are found more at the periphery of the nucleus; this feature is conserved in primates and chicken. Chromosome ordering in nuclei of P. tridactylus is related to their size and centromere position. Its relationship with replication patterns in interphase nuclei and metaphase was studied. In addition it was observed that the nucleus was not a smooth entity but had projections occupied by specific chromosome regions.