A.J.C. Viana and M.M. Souza
Published September 28, 2010
Genet. Mol. Res. 9 (3): 1908-1913 (2010)
DOI 10.4238/vol9-3gmr869

About the Authors
A.J.C. Viana and M.M. Souza

Corresponding author:
M.M. Souza
E-mail: souzamagg@yahoo.com.br

ABSTRACT

We tested four C-banding protocols to obtain heterochromatic bands in the passion fruit species Passiflora edulis and P. cacaoensis (Passifloraceae). Three of these protocols had been previously described. The three published protocols were not adequate to obtain C-bands in these species. An adapted protocol demonstrated heterochromatin distribution in metaphasic chromosomes of species of Passiflora for the first time. The differentiated coloration for C-bands was obtained with immersion of the slides in 99% ethanol, 45% acetic acid (additional step), 0.2 N hydrochloric acid, hydroxide of barium, 45% acetic acid, and 2X standard saline citrate at four different temperatures. The C-bands were observed in the satellites and in the telomere and centromere regions of all chromosomes, both in P. edulis and in P. cacaoensis.

Key words: Passion fruit; Passiflora cacaoensis; Passiflora edulis