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Wheat Information Service
Number 72: 99-101 (1991)


Chromosome mapping of ribosomal RNA genes in Triticum spelta by in situ hybridization

M.Yamamoto1) and Y. Mukai2)

1) Department of Life Science, Kansai Women's Junior College, Kashiwara, Osaka 582, Japan
2) Department of Biological Sciences, Osaka Kyoiku University, Ikeda, Osaka 563, Japan


Introduction

We report here on physical mapping of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) in Triticum spelta, one of hexaploid wheat (2n = 42, AABBDD) by
in situ hybridization. The origin of spelta wheat is discussed in terms of in situ hybridization patterns of rDNA.


Materials and Methods

Three strains of T. spelta were used in the present study. Wheat 18S-26S rebosomal RNA gene and the repeated DNA sequences from Ae. squarrosa (pAs1) were used as probes. The latter probe was used for the identification of wheat chromosomes (Rayburn and Gill 1986). The details of the procedure for cytological preparations,
in situ hybridization using biotinylated probes, and detection of hybridization sites are as described by Mukai et al (1991).


Results and Discussion

In situ hybridization analysis using biotin-labeled rDNA probe indicated that four pairs of chromosomes carried Nor loci in T. spelta (Fig. 1a). The identification of chromosomes 1B, 6B, 5D and 1A was made by double labeling with rDNA and pAs1 probes. The latter clone reveals a small hybridization site on the satellite and on intercalary site of hybridization on the short arm in chromosome 6B (Fig. 1b). Chromosome 5D was also observed to have four sites of hybridization with pAs1. One site was located not on the satellite but on the terminus of the short arm and three intercalary sites of the long arm (Fig. 1c). No hybridization site was observed on chromosomes 1B and 1A. Therefore, the Nor chromosomes were confirmed as 1A, 1B, 5D, and 6B. The signal intensity was 1B>6B=5D>>1A. In chromosome 1B, most of the highly condensed rDNA signal was distributed in the proximal end and the remainder in the distal end of the secondary constriction joined by a middle faint signal. In chromosome 6B, condensed rDNA was distributed evenly at each end joined by diffuse rDNA. In chromosome 5D, condensed rDNA was found on the satellite. In most cells, a part of rDNA on chromosome 5D was dispersed, showing genetic activity of ribosomal RNA genes. Chromosome 1A showed a dot-type signal at the terminal end of the short arm. None of the rDNA on chromosome 1A was found dispersed but remaind condensed.

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