An adaptable chromosome preparation methodology for use in invertebrate research organisms

摘要: Abstract Background The ability to efficiently visualize and manipulate chromosomes is fundamental understand the genetic architecture of organisms. This can be challenging for many invertebrates because conventional chromosome preparation protocols deal primarily hypotonic conditions tailored use with vertebrates rely extensively on cultured cells which are rarely available invertebrates. Hence, a simple inexpensive protocol, adaptable multiple invertebrate model species needed. Results We optimized protocol applied it several planarian (Phylum: Platyhelminthes), freshwater apple snail Pomacea canaliculata Mollusca), starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis Cnidaria). showed that both mitotically active adult tissues embryos used as sources metaphase chromosomes, expanding potential this technique lacking cell lines and/or limited access complete life cycle. Simple treatment DI water was sufficient karyotyping. karyotypes we obtained allowed identification differences in ploidy among otherwise morphologically indistinguishable organisms, case mixed population planarians collected wild. Furthermore, all tested organisms representing three different phyla, effectively coupled downstream applications, such fluorescent situ hybridization. Conclusion reported here readily adapted new research order expand accelerate discovery biology understudied branches tree life.