C-bands in seven cases of accessory small chromosomes

Abstract

The C[centromere]-bands of 2 cases of familial, genetically inactive, accessory small chromosomes and 5 cases of genetically active chromosomes were examined. Inactive chromosomes consist of constitutive heterochromatin and satellites only. In active chromosomes, euchromatin was present. These chromosomes contained 2, 1 or no C-bands, although all these chromosomes were morphologically monocentric. C-banding is more informative than other banding methods for this category of chromosomes.