title: Comparison of different cytogenetic methods and tissue suitability for the study of chromosomes inCimex lectularius(Heteroptera, Cimicidae).
abstract: In the article we summarize the most common recent cytogenetic methods used in analysis of karyotypes in Heteroptera. We seek to show the pros and cons of the spreading method compared with the traditional squashing method. We discuss the suitability of gonad, midgut and embryo tissue inCimex lectulariusLinnaeus, 1758 chromosome research and production of figures of whole mitosis and meiosis, using the spreading method. The hotplate spreading technique has many advantages in comparison with the squashing technique. Chromosomal slides prepared from the testes tissue gave the best results, tissues of eggs and midgut epithelium are not suitable. Metaphase II is the only division phase in which sex chromosomes can be clearly distinguished. Chromosome number determination is easy during metaphase I and metaphase II. Spreading of gonad tissue is a suitable method for the cytogenetic analysis of holokinetic chromosomes ofCimex lectularius.
authors.affiliation: Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, CZ-12844 Praha, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sadílek
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences (Entomology), The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK.
authors.forename: Robert B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Angus
authors.affiliation: Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, CZ-12844 Praha, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: František
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Šťáhlavský
authors.affiliation: Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, CZ-12844 Praha, Czech Republic.
authors.forename: Jitka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vilímová
keywords: holokinetic chromosomes; karyogram; midgut; spreading method; squashing method; testes