Characterization of the late replication banding patterns in barley chromosomes

Abstract

Replicating DNA regions on barley chromosomes were investigated by a replication banding technique. Of all chromosomal regions, the late replicating regions, in which DNA replicated in the last third of S phase, were detected as exceptionally distinct bands. Each late replicating region had its own timing and duration to replicate, which were not influenced by any translocations. This suggested that the late replication was highly associated with the structure of its related chromosomal region. By using the series of translocated chromosome lines, the late replication banding patterns of seven barley chromosomes were identified. The late replication banding pattern was similar to the C-banding pattern. The relationships of the late replicating regions with heterochromatin and C-banding regions are also discussed.