About Book

The study of genes has proved to be a powerful approach to understanding biological systems. Because genes affect virtually every aspect of the structure and function of an organism, being able to identify and determine the role of genes and the proteins that they encode is an important step in charting the various processes that under a particular character under investigation. Cytology is that branch of life science that deals with the study of cells in terms of structure, function and chemistry. Genetics is the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms. Cytogenetics is a branch of genetics that is concerned with the study of the structure and function of the cell, especially the chromosomes. Cytology, cytogenetic and genetic assays are used routinely for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in molecular pathology laboratories and represent a powerful adjunct to conventional microscopy and radiographic assessment for formulating an accurate diagnosis. This book presents insight into the modern tools of gene study. It deals with cytogenetic techniques, avian meiotic chromosomes, cytogenetic analysis, microtechnologies, phylogenetic studies and cytogenetic tools. The purpose of the book is to provide a glimpse into the dynamic process of genetic analysis by presenting the thoughts of scientists who are engaged in the generation of new idea and techniques employed for the assessment of genetic diversity, often from very different perspectives. Coherent flow of topics, student-friendly language and extensive use of examples make this book an invaluable source of knowledge. The book will appeal to students, researchers, and experts in the area of conservation biology, genetic diversity, and molecular biology.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Cytogenetic Tools to Study the Biodiversity of Neotropical Fish: From the Classic to the Advent of Cell Culture.................................1

Abstract.......................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................2

2. Classical methods of cytogenetics to obtain metaphase

chromosomes and their adaptations.................................................2

3. Chromosomal banding techniques and their contributions to the

understanding of karyotypic macrostructure in several fish

groups......................................................................................................4

4. How fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and its variations

have helped in the understanding of the evolution and

organization of the fish genome?......................................................6

5. Culture of cells in fish: alternative tools for obtaining metaphase

chromosomes........................................................................................11

6. Conclusion............................................................................................13

Chapter 2 Applying Cytogenetics in Phylogenetic Studies...............................29

Abstract.................................................................................................29

1. Introduction: chromosomal evolution of mammals.....................30

2. How to apply molecular genomics in the study of evolution and

parental relationships.........................................................................33

3. The innovative application of zoological comparative genomic

hybridization (CGH) in phylogenetics............................................38

4. The history and prior applications of CGH..................................40

5. Applying CGH in exploring the relationship between Pholidota,

Carnivora, and Xenarthra..................................................................43

6. Discussion.............................................................................................48

7. Conclusion............................................................................................48

Chapter 3 Cytogenetic Analysis: A New Era of Procedures and Precision .52

1. Introduction..........................................................................................52

2. Using Image-Pro PlusTM for the study of chromosomes ...........56

3. Conclusion ...........................................................................................70

4. Acknowledgments .............................................................................70

Chapter 4 Microtechnologies Enable Cytogenetics..............................................75

1. Introduction..........................................................................................75

2. Microchips for cytogenetic analysis................................................78

3. Future prospects..................................................................................91

4. Conclusion............................................................................................92

Chapter 5 Cytogenetic Analysis of Primary Cultures and Cell Lines:

Generalities, Applications and Protocols ..........................................97

1. Introduction ........................................................................................97

2. Generalities .........................................................................................98

3. Cytogenetic techniques from tumoral tissue samples and cancer

cell lines .............................................................................................105

Chapter 6 Avian Meiotic Chromosomes as Model Objects in

Cytogenetics ............................................................................................128

1. Introduction........................................................................................128

2. Lampbrush chromosomes...............................................................129

3. Meiosis during spermatogenesis ..................................................135

4. Synaptonemal complex....................................................................139

5. Nucleolus ...........................................................................................147

6. Conclusion .........................................................................................152

Chapter 7 Cytogenetic Techniques in Diagnosing Genetic Disorders ........161

1. Introduction ......................................................................................161

2. History of cytogenetics ...................................................................161

3. Cytogenetics ......................................................................................163

4. Prenatal genetic diagnosis .............................................................173

5. Syndromes associated with chromosomal abnormalities ........174

6. Conclusion .........................................................................................182

Citation......................................................................................................187

Index...........................................................................................................189

About Author

Ella Peyret obtained her Ph.D. in Genetics and Genomics from Public State University, Crimea. She is an Assistant Professor at Open Research University, Saskatchewan. Her work in the field of genetics and functional genomics is noted and acclaimed worldwide. Her field of research includes isolation and molecular characterization of genome sequencing and gene annotation, and gene silencing using the RNA interference technology. Peyret is a regular contributor to scientific journals, and has also authored numerous articles and books in the field of molecular biology and genetics. She also works as a freelance scientific writer and editor.