Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025
Preparation of Drosophila Polytene Chromosome Squashes for Antibody Labeling
Published on: February 9, 2010
Whole planarian chromosome squash
Paul G Barghouth1,2, Néstor J Oviedo1,2,3
1Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Whole planarian chromosome squash allows researchers to qualitatively analyze chromosome integrity. Treatment with colchicine is used to halt dividing cells within metaphase and does not require amputation or tissue puncturing. In combination with acetic-orcein, a stain-fixative for chromosomes, this strategy is suitable for animals with friable tissues caused by drug treatment, radiation, and RNA interference phenotypes. The whole planarian squash method presented here is a minimally invasive procedure that facilitates simultaneous analysis of chromosomal integrity in control and experimental animals. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Peiris et al. (2016).
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