Chromosome preparation and high resolution banding (review)

Banding was developed and used to identify chromosomes in different species. Combined with ultrastructural studies, banding also provided insight into the substructure and organization of whole chromosomes. However, banded chromosomes prepared for light microscopic studies of intact metaphase plates are highly modified structures compared to native chromosomes and the high resolution R and G-banding techniques used today are only possible because several basic methods were standardized and combined. These techniques include: 1) The use of spindle inhibitors. 2) The use of hypotonic solutions. 3) The use of methanol acetic acid fixation and air- or flame dried slides. 4) The use of cell culture synchronization and modified Giemsa techniques. In connection with chromosome structure and selected banding studies, the present paper discusses these techniques and their applications to different topics in cytogenetics.