抄録
1. Generally speaking, the karyotype of Galanthus may be formulated as 2n=24=4L+14M+6S and both the single-flowered and the double-flowered races of G. nivalis have the typical chromosome complements, while the same species from the Koisikawa Botanic Garden has twenty-eight chromosomes. One exceptional individual (2n=25) belonging to the double-flowered race suggests the multiplication of one medium chromosome. In these cases, two, three and four heteromorphic SAT-chromosomes have been observed. These results of the observations may be explained by the karyotype alteration, such as multiplication, translocation and fragmentation of chromosomes.
2. Some individuals of G. Elwesii are diploid (2n=24) and the others tetraploid (2n=48) with possession of typical karyotypes. In this species two, three and four heteromorphic SAT-chromosomes have also been observed, suggesting the elimination of the satellite in the case of three SAT-chromosomes.
3. The size variation of the tail of the satellite exists in different individuals and even in the same individual confirming the same observation in Narcissus (FERNANDES 1935).
4. The fact that the T-chromosome of Galanthus is also associated with the nucleolus seems to afford evidence in favour of MCCLINTOCK'S extension of HEITZ'S hypothesis. It is assumed that the nucleolar-organizing body or “région nucléologénique” of SAT-chromosome plays the most important rôle in the nucleolus formation and that the connecting strand may be dispensed with being only a secondary product.
5. Some secondary constrictions of chromosomes in Galanthus have no connection with the nucleoli as in Scilla, Haworthia and Narcissus.
