Open AccessChromosomes and DNA bodies of Acheta desertus (Orthoptera). With parallels to Acheta domesticus
Author(s) -
NILSSON BIRGIT,
LARSSON MARGARETA,
HOFSTEN ANGELICA v.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
hereditas
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1601-5223
pISSN - 0018-0661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-5223.1973.tb01166.x
Subject(s) - acheta , autosome , biology , orthoptera , x chromosome , chromosome , genetics , zoology , cricket , gene
The chromosome number of Acheta desertus (Orthoptera) was found to be 2n = 21 (male) and 2n = 22 (female) and the sex mechanism XO:XX. Acheta desertus has the same chromosome number as Acheta domesticus but different chromosome morphology. In both species a heteromorphic pair of autosomes appears in spermatogonial divisions. One of the autosomes of the pair shows negative heteropycnosis along its whole length while its partner resembles the other autosomes. This aberration is limited to the males and has been observed in all male crickets investigated but in a varying percentage of the total number of spermatogonial metaphases. One distinct DNA body as found in A. domesticus is also present in addition to the chromosomes in the oocytes of A. desertus. During early diplotene large masses of RNA‐containing material accumulates at the periphery of the DNA body. As the oocytes proceed through diplotene this material reorganizes into small masses.