Chromosomal studies after differential staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization using telomeric probe in three Leptodactylus species (Leptodactylidae, Anura)

Abstract

Leptodactylus ocellatus, L. knudseni and L. pentadactylus were cyto-genetically analysed following conventional and Ag-NOR staining, C- and R-banding and FISH using the sequence (TTAGGG)_n as probe. These species show similar karyotypes with 2n = 22 and Ag-NORs located in the short arm of pair 8. Species-specific C-banding patterns were detected involving centromeric, telomeric and interstitial bands. The comparative study of chromosomes after R-banding allowed the establishment of homeologies among the six largest pairs and the NOR-bearing pair in all species. The sequence (TTAGGG)_n was detected in the telomeric regions of the chromosomes and nowhere else.

Key words:

• karyotype
• Leptodactylus
• Leptodactylidae
• banding patterns
• FISH