Karyological study of the white-cheeked gibbon, nomascus leucogenys (Primates, hylobatidae) by G-banding and high-resolution techniques

Abstract

Karyological of the white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) Nakhonratchasima Zoo, Thailand was studied. Blood samples were taken from 1 female and 2 males. After standard whole blood lymphocyte culture at 37C for 72 h in the presence of colchicine, the metaphase spreads were performed on microscopic slides and air-dried. The G-banding and high-resolution technique were applied to stain the chromosomes. The results showed that the number of diploid chromosomes of white-cheeked gibbon was 2n (diploid)=52. The type of autosomes were 32 metacentric, 12 submetacentric and 6 acrocentric chromosomes, with the X and Y-chromosome being acrocentric and smallest submetacentric chromosome, respectively. From the G-banding and high- resolution technique, the numbers of bands and locations in the white-cheeked gibbon were 361 and 435 respectively, each chromosome pair could be clearly differentiated. The developing of specific cytogenetics of a species is possible further benefic for humanity. ©2009 The Japan Mendel Society.