Chromosome polymorphism of the large naked-soled gerbil, Tatera indica (Rodentia, Muridae)

Abstract

Karyotype of the large naked-soled gerbil, Tatera indica, was investigated by conventional, G- and C-band stainings. This animal had 68 chromosomes, comprising 25 acrocentric and 8 biarmed autosome pairs, besides an X-Y pair. The X-chromosome was characterized by the largest metacentric, and the Y a small acrocentric. The smallest biarmed autosome pair (no. 33) was polymorphic by having three chromosome types (A, B and C). Based on the frequency of the polymorphic chromosomes, type-B (small submetacentric) was suggested to be an original form; type-A (large submetacentric) was derived from type B through tandem duplications of both arms, and type-C (small subtelocentric) was accounted for by inversion and deletion of the basic type.