Cytogenetic Analysis Of The Pleurodine Turtle Phrynops Hogei And Its Taxonomic Implications

Abstract

Conventional chromosomal preparations of the Brazilian sidenecked turtle Phrynops hogei indicate the karyotype of this species (diploid number 2n = 58; fundamental number FN = 64) is identical to that reported for other members of the genus. Electron microscopic analysis of whole-cell complements of synap- tonemal complexes corroborated the karyotypic description and provided definitive resolution of the aero- centric condition of the microchromosomes. Additionally, this approach provided a continuous sequence of prophase I nuclei which enabled detailed description of chromosomal behavior from leptonema through dia- kinesis and the sequence of centriolar replication. © 1991, Brill. All rights reserved.