Nitrous Oxide-Induced Metaphase Arrest: A Technique for Somatic Chromosome Analysis

Procedures to arrest metaphase chromosomes are used for determining chromosome numbers, chromosomal aberrations, and natural chromosome variation, as well as chromosome sorting. Here is described a technique of nitrous oxide gas treatment of freshly harvested root tips that is highly effective at producing an excellent mitotic index together with well-spread chromosomes. The details of the treatment and equipment used are provided. The metaphase spreads can be used directly for determining chromosome numbers or for in situ hybridization to reveal chromosomal features.