BANDING ANALYSIS OF THE CHROMOSOMES OF MARMOSA MITIS (MURINE OPOSSUM)

Abstract
The modal chromosome number of 14 has been confirmed in Marmosa mitis by examining 622 metaphase spreads derived from heart and lung cell cultures as well as from direct bone marrow preparations. Nine adult individuals, seven females and two males, were investigated. Preferential Y chromosome elimination was observed in both males. It was found that four of the seven chromosome pairs could be identified morphologically while Q-banding allowed differentiation of all chromosomes. The ASG technique revealed that one X chromosome was consistently heterochromatic.