Journal of Cell Science, Vol 90, 493-499, Copyright © 1988 by Company of Biologists

Submitted on January 5, 1988
Accepted on March 8, 1988

Metaphase position of an interchange quadrivalent of Allium triquetrum

III. The expected distribution based on randomness

¹ Botany Department, Victoria University of Wellington, Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand
² Botany Department, Victoria University of Wellington, Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand; Population Genetics Group, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

The position of an interchange quadrivalent at metaphase I of Allium triquetrum was modelled so as to simulate the original placement of the quadrivalent in the spindle and the preparation of linear spreads through squashing. In this way an expected distribution for the quadrivalent in linear spreads was generated. The procedure used polar views of metaphase I to which the quadrivalent was assigned pairs of positions normally occupied by bivalents. The positions of the bivalents and assigned quadrivalent were then into a linear array and analysed as ‘real’ data. Comparisons with observed distributions showed that a general bias in favour of marginal placement of the quadrivalent in the linear array is expected; and also showed that the quadrivalent is positioned non-randomly in the metaphase plate prior to slide preparation.

Key words: chromosome position, metaphase 1, expected distribution

Submitted on January 5, 1988
Accepted on March 8, 1988