The chromosomal location of constitutive heterochromatin and nucleolar organizer regions in the domestic cat Felis catus

Abstract

In most species C-bands have a centromeric location, indeed C-bands, centromeres and the chromosomal location of highly repeated DNA are often considered to be synonymous. This work shows that the C-banding pattern of the domestic cat Felis catus, and some other members of the Felidae, differs from the standard pattern in that all well defined C-bands present are either telomeric or interstitial. 

Some of the postulated functions of highly repeated DNA are dependent upon it being situated at the centromere. 

The domestic cat provides a system for finding out more about the relationships between C-bands, highly repeated DNA and centromeres as in this species C-bands and centromeres are at entirely separate locations. 

A highly repeated, satellite fraction of Felis catus DNA has been first demonstrated and then isolated by buoyant density centrifugation. It has been labelled to high specific activity by nick translation and used as a probe in in situ hybridization experiments to try to establish the chromosomal location of this fraction of the DNA of Felis catus, and hence to add information to the discussion of the various theories as to the function of highly repeated DNA. 

The chromosomal location of the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) in the domestic cat is also considered. Chromosome E1 has long been known to bear a NOR and this is confirmed by silver staining. A second, previously unknown, NOR on chromosome E3 is also silver stained in a low percentage of cells.

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