Presence of various rye-specific repeated DNA sequences on the midget chromosome of rye

The chromosome 1R of rye, or the midget chromosome, is necessary for plump, viable seed development and fertility restoration in the alloplasmic line with rye cytoplasm and a hexaploid wheat nucleus. The midget chromosome of rye represents 1/15th of the physical length of the chromosome 1R of rye. C-banding analysis indicated that the centromeric and pericentric region (approximately 30% physical length) of the midget chromosome is heterochromatic and the distant 70% physical length is euchromatic. These data suggest that the midget chromosome may represent the pericentric region of the long arm of chromosome 1R. In contrast with earlier reports, our results indicate that an array of rye-specific repeated sequences (both dispersed and tandem) are present on the midget chromosome. Various rye-specific repeated DNA sequences that are present on the midget chromosome will be useful in constructing a long-range map and studying the genomic organization of the midget chromosome. It is unclear if any of these repeated DNA sequences are involved in the origin of the midget chromosome.