Structure, behaviour and repetitive DNA of B-chromosomes in Cestrum nocturnum (Solanaceae)

Abstract

The Cestrum genus is karyotypically exceptional in Solanaceae. It is characterised by a basic number x = 8, a large chromosomal and genomic size, complex heterochromatin patterns, B-chromosomes (Bs) with particular heterochromatin and distribution of 18?5.8?26S and 5S rDNA. Cestrum nocturnum L. has a diploid number of 2n = 16 plus a variable number of B-chromosomes. The aims of work was to analyse their numerical variation, structure and behaviour of C. nocturnum B-chromosomes by classical and molecular cytogenetics. The individuals analysed had 2n = 16 + 0−13 B-chromosomes. All B-chromosomes were metacentric and smaller than A-chromosomes. The number of B-chromosomes showed a great variability between and within individuals, thereby denoting the occurrence of events that promote mitotic and meiotic instability. Cytogenetic techniques made it possible to observe that B-chromosomes are rich in heterochromatin, probably with AT- and GC-rich regions. In addition, molecular techniques allowed to detect homologous sequences of transposable element conserved domains of Ty1-Copia and Ty3-Gypsy superfamilies. These sequences were located by FISH in all B-chromosomes and some A-chromosomes. Our results showed that repetitive DNA could play an important role in chromosomal evolution as well as in the stability of B-chromosomes in C. nocturnum.