Cytogenetic characterization of “Donax trunculus” (Bivalvia: Donacidae) by means of karyotyping, fluorochrome banding and fluorescent “in situ” hybridization

Abstract

[Abstract]: The chromosomes of “Donax trunculus” were analysed by means of Giemsa staining, chromomycin A3 (CA3), DAPI and fluorescent “in situ” hybridization (FISH) with an 18S-5.8S-28S rDNA probe. The diploid number is 38 chromosomes and the karyotype consists of nine pairs of metacentric chromosomes, two pairs of submetacentric-metacentric, seven pairs of submetacentric and one pair of telocentric chromosomes. CA3-positive bands are located on eight chromosome pairs and DAPI treatment resulted in uniform staining. Major ribosomal clusters 18S-5.8S-28S are located on the short arm of one submetacentric chromosome pair.