A step-by-step protocol for meiotic chromosome counts in flowering plants: A powerful and economical technique
Michael D Windham1, Kathleen M Pryer1, Derick B Poindexter2
1Department of Biology Duke University Campus Box 90338 Durham North Carolina 27708 USA.
Premise:
Counting chromosomes is a fundamental botanical technique, yet it is often intimidating and increasingly sidestepped. Once mastered, the basic protocol can be applied to a broad range of taxa and research questions. It also reveals an aspect of the plant genome that is accessible with only the most basic of resources-access to a microscope with 1000× magnification is the most limiting factor.
Methods And Results:
Here we provide a detailed protocol for choosing, staining, and squashing angiosperm pollen mother cells. The protocol is supplemented by figures and two demonstration videos.
Conclusions:
The protocol we provide will hopefully demystify and reinvigorate a powerful and once commonplace botanical technique that is available to researchers regardless of their location and resources.
