Brilliant Cresyl Blue as a Stain for Plant Chromosomes

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Abstract
Methods are proposed for staining plant chromosomes with brilliant cresyl blue, and for making these stained preps. permanent by using polyvinyl alcohol mounting medium. The stain (2% brilliant cresyl blue in 45% aqueous acetic or propionic acid) is used with fixed material in making smear prepns. The technics for staining are similar to those employed in the aceto-carmine method. The mounting medium is made by mixing 56% polyvinyl alcohol, which is diluted in water to the consistency of thick molasses, with 22% lactic acid and 22% phenol by volume. The permanent slides are made by floating off the cover slip of the temporary slide in 70% alcohol, then applying the mounting medium and replacing the cover slip.