Brilliant Cresyl Blue as a Stain for Plant Chromosomes

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.