Characterization of human heteroploid cell line J-111: Reverse banding patterns of marker chromosomes

The karyotype of the human cell line, J-111, has been studied employing R-banding by fluorescence using acridine orange technique (RFA). The model chromosome number of this line was 112. All human chromosomes except the Y were present in each metaphase. Twenty-one marker chromosomes were distinguished and their possible origins were investigated. Of these, twelve were consistently present in all cells. Nine markers were highly variable. Four typical marker chromosomes of HeLa cells were found and their origins were identified, indicating that the line is a HeLa contaminant. The reverse banding patterns of all marker chromosomes are presented and the value of the RFA technique is discussed.