title: Curves for modelling chromosome shapes.
abstract: Representation of chromosome shapes by a single smooth curve forms an important step in a chromosome analysis system. During development of an interactive system for use in plant chromosome studies, the behavior of certain types of curves commonly used in human chromosome analysis systems was found to be unsuitable for modelling plant chromosomes. These chromosomes require modelling by a flexible smooth curve, such as the cubic spline. Preliminary investigation of human chromosomes indicates that some of these must also be modelled by the cubic spline curve. The results of modelling chromosome shapes by several different types of curves are illustrated.
mesh_terms: D002875:Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological