CHROMOSOMES OF THE SAND RAT (PSAMMOMYS OBESUS)

Abstract
The sand rat (Psammomys obesus) has a diploid chromosome number of 48. There are 3 pairs of large sub-metacentric autosomes, 9 pairs of medium and small metacentric autosomes and 11 telecentric autosomes, as well as the pair of sex chromosomes. No chromosomal features could be identified that seem to bear on the tendency of this species to develop diabetes mellitus as compared with other diabetic-prone animals.