Observations on specific Giemsa staining of the Y and on selective oil destaining of the chromosomes

Abstract

Summary The human Y chromosome can be differentially stained with Giemsa using simple procedures. This phenomenon is strikingly similar to that observed with quinacrine fluorescence. The specific Giemsa-Y stain may be selectively removed by the action of an oil. The same oil, under certain conditions, selectively removes Giemsa stain from all chromosomes, resulting in R- and T-banding patterns. These bands, which are obtained through subtraction of dye from Giemsa-stained chromosomes, allow slides to be further processed.