Localization of the genes for major ribosomal RNA on chromosomes of the house musk shrew, Suncus murinus, at meiotic and mitotic cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization and silver staining

Abstract

The genes for major ribosomal RNA were localized on chromosomes 5pter-p15, 9q64-qter, and 13q38-qter of the house musk shrew, Suncus murinus (Insectivora, Soricidae) by silver staining of mitotic metaphase and meiotic pachytene spreads and fluorescence in situ hybridization using the human 28S-RNA genes as a probe to mitotic metaphase spreads. The data presented indicate a correlation between sites of in situ hybridization and silver staining. The finding of nuclear materials in mitosis was in a good agreement with observation in meiosis: same chromosomes carried active NORs in both meiotic and mitotic cells.