Color differential staining of NOR-associated heterochromatic segments using acridine orange.
A new staining technique has been evaluated for detecting heterochromatic segments accompanying nucleolus organizing regions (NORs). This technique essentially consists of C-banding followed by acridine orange staining. When the technique was applied to five species of plants, the NOR-associated heterochromatic segments (NOR H-segments) were differentiated from other segments of the chromosomes as regions emitting yellowish green fluorescence. An incubation of at least 30 min in hot 2 x SSC was required to make the NOR H-segments emit yellowish green fluorescence in Nothoscordum fragrans. Fluorescence on other heterochromatic segments varied from reddish orange to bright yellow; euchromatic segments emitted orange or yellowish orange fluorescence. The technique permits identification of NOR H-segments throughout mitosis based on the characteristic fluorescent color.
Sato
S
S
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan.
D000165:Acridine Orange; D002871:Chromosome Banding; D009697:Nucleolus Organizer Region / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010944:Plants / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods*
D000165:Acridine Orange