Objectives
The main objectives of the cytogenetics Laboratory are focused on the investigation of cytological disturbances and genetic disorders. These could be achieved through the study of:
- Mitotic activity, frequency of micronuclei and the chromosomal aberrations in mitotic cell divisions as an indication of the adaptability to the Egyptian conditions in varieties, landraces and/or accessions
- Meiotic irregularities, frequency of micronuclei and the chromosomal aberrations in meiotic cell divisions as an indication of the cytological instability in varieties, landraces and/or accessions. Moreover, to detect any existing association between the cytological and instabilities and agronomic characters.
- Testing the pollen grain viability of different varieties, landraces and/or accessions.
- Determination of chiasma frequency to test the recombination potential in varieties, landraces and/or accessions.
- Investigate the chromosomal maps of wild plants, animals and landraces which can be utilized in the different breeding programs.
- Study the different field and agronomic cytogenetically as related to agronomic and morphological characteristics to conclude the degree of genetic stability.
Chromosomes morphological characterization
From the karyotype analysis, the two homologues (a and b) of each chromosome pair were judged according to similarities in length of short arm, long arm and total lengths and centromeric index percentage.
Microscope examination, karyotyping and idiograming
Chromosomes examination was performed using a vertical fluorescence microscope (Leica DM2500) equipped with a cooled monochrome digital camera (Leica DFC340FX). Twenty cells with clearly observable and well spread were examined and photographed at 100 × magnification under oil immersion. Chromosome counting and karyotyping were performed using the automated karyotyping & FISH software processing (Leica CW4000) system. Idiograms were constructed from complete chromosomes which showed the maximum possible banding patterns in at least ten different metaphase plates.
Staff
Dr. Mona Ebrahim Abd El-Gawad
+20 100 917 0469
monagenetist2012@gmail.com
