Chromosomal Analysis of the Pygmy Chimpanzee (Pan paniscus) with a Comparison to Man

Abstract

The karyotype of Pan paniscus is reexamined by G-banding and examined for the first time by C-banding. In addition, examination of the chromosomes by the use of the fluorochromes adreamycine and 33258 Hoechst is undertaken. C-banding showed a surprising pattern with numerous terminal C-bands, an interstitial C-band, and several chromosomes lacking C-bands. Polymorphic conditions for C-bands are also identified involving several pairs. In a comparison to the chromosomes of man, G-banding revealed two pericentric inversions not previously observed. Only chromosome pairs No. 9, 11, 12 and the X are similar to man’s by all techniques employed.