TITLE:
Effective Method to Resolve the Chromosome Numbers in Pistacia Species (Anacardiaceae)
AUTHORS:
Mohannad Al-Saghir, Shadi Abu Baker, Robert Pusok
KEYWORDS:
Pistacia, Cytogenetics, Chromosome Numbers, Fluorescent Microscopy
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.5 No.20,
September
24,
2014
ABSTRACT: The genus Pistacia L. belongs
to the Anacardiaceae family and includes at least eleven species. Cytogenetic
studies addressing the genus Pistacia are rather few. Chromosome numbers
of the different Pistacia species,
revealed by these studies, are questionable due to the fact that poor chromosome
counting protocols were used, and these protocols are hampered by the extremely
small-sized chromosomes of Pistacia species. The aim of this study was to develop a more effective method to
resolve the chromosome numbers in Pistacia species using a fluorescent microscope. The method described here is modified
from the Sigma Plant Protoplast Digest/Wash Solution protocol. The method used
here is highly effective for karyotyping analysis and studying population
genetics of Pistacia species.
Moreover, it is easy and can be reproduced for other species that have smaller
chromosomes. This method can be used for plant herbarium specimens or field
plants. This study provides valuable chromosomal
data for cytogeneticists and plant breeders who are working on this genus. It
provides additional insight into understanding the taxonomic and phylogenetic
relationships among Pistacia species.
The chromosomes described here are also suitable for gene and genome mapping.