Evolution of human cytogenetics: an encyclopedic essay. III. The second decade after 1956: banding techiques

Unequivocal establishment of the correct diploid chromosome number in 1956 started the modern era of human cytogenetics. The next impetus came when the peripheral blood leukocyte culture technique for the chromosome preparation was described in 1960. Discovery of special staining procedures - banding techniques - in early seventies not only saved it from early senescence but played decisive roles in broadening the horizons of modern human cytogenetics.