Karyotype, constitutive heterochromatin and nucleolus organizer regions in two species of Liolaemus (Squamata, Tropiduridae)

Abstract

A comparative cytogenetic analysis, based on chromosome morphology, Ag- NOR staining and CBG- banding was undertaken on two species of Liolaemus: L. chacoensis and Liolaemus azarai, a new undescribed species. The intestines, bone marrow and testes were sampled. Both species showed a karyotype with 12 biarmed macrochromosomes and 22 microchromomes. No sexual chromosomal heteromorphism was found. The patterns of C and NOR bands were similar. Constitutive heterochromatin was located in the pericentromeric regions of macrochromosomes and nucleolar organizer regions were detected on the long arm of the pair 2. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.