title: Distribution of C-band heterochromatin in the ZW sex chromosomes of European and American eels (Anguillidae, Teleostomi).
abstract: The ZW sex chromosomes of the European eel, Anguilla anguilla, and the American eel, A. rostrata, were examined with C-band and fluorescent staining to demonstrate the C-band heterochromatin. The W as well as Z chromosomes in both species are C-band negative except for a small amount of C-band heterochromatin in the centromeric region, in contrast to the W or Y elements of most other vertebrates. No fluorescing W-associated body is evident either in interphase nuclei or in metaphase plates. The ZW chromosomes of the two species have substantially similar size, morphology, and patterns of C-band heterochromatin. Karyologic and evolutionary implications are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002871:Chromosome Banding; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes / Q000235:genetics*; D006570:Heterochromatin / Q000032:analysis; D007621:Karyotyping; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D012730:Sex Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D006570:Heterochromatin