Biosystematic Studies in Erythronium (Liliaceae-Tulipeae)

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Abstract
A number of clones of E. japonicum were examined karyologically. The interphase nucleus is of the reticulate type, i.e., extremely homogeneous, with no chromocenters observed. Root tip chromosomal lengths and total genome lengths under both colchicine and 8-hydroxyquinoline pretreatments were virtually identical. All the material examined was 2n = 24. Three size groups were discernible among the somatic complement, though all the chromosomes were clearly classifiable as subtelocentric. Within this asymmetrical complement, little size variation was observed in the small arms, whereas the greatest difference occurred in the long arms. Although the whole complement was subtelocentric, several of the smaller chromosomes had arm ratios close to 2:1. No nucleolar organizing chromosomes were observed for this species'' complement. Based on size and centromeric position, the somatic complement can be represented as: K(2n = 24 = 4Lst + 10Mst + 10Sst. The karyological affinities of E. japonicum are with the subtelocentric, western North American species, rather than with those with metacentric chromosomes occurring in eastern North America.

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