Studies on the structure of nucleolusforming regions and related structures in the giant salivary gland chromosomes of Diptera

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Abstract
Salivary gland nuclei in Chironomus regularly show large, conspicuous nucleoli. In Sciara no true nucleoli have been found, but sometimes certain particular chromosome regions expand greatly, forming ‘puffs’ or ‘bulbs,’ somewhat nucleolus‐like in nature. Detailed study has been made of the chromosome structure in the affected regions in both genera.In the nucleolar regions of Chironomus the banded structure of the chromosome is distinctly modified. In the case of the large nucleolus the chromosome breaks up into a heavy network in which solid discs are replaced by interconnected chromatic spheres and granules, extending out somewhat into the clear nucleolar substance. In the case of the smaller nucleolus, Balbiani's ring, the banded structure is less disturbed. A chromatic network, resembling a system of rootlets, runs out from the chromatic bands into the clear nucleolar substance.In Sciara ocellaris the ‘puff’ regions are at times normally banded, but at other times in the condition described as ‘puffed.’ The same is true of the ‘bulb’ regions. The relation between nucleoli, puffs and bulbs is discussed. Also that between ‘heterochromatin’ and ‘euchromatin.’ Evidence seems to indicate that the latter are merely extremes in a continuous range involving different relative amounts of chromatic and achromatic materials. The ‘puff’ regions appear to be structurally similar to the chromocenter in Drosophila.