Dear Reader,
I am interested in determining the chromosome number of the red-claw crayfish.
I have done a few trials using the live fries which have been incubated in colchicine, after which they are ground against a wire mesh then treated with a hypotonic solution,fixed and stained.
The results have been very disappointing.
Can someone please tell me what to look for in a metaphase?
Will I always see "X"s and "V"s?
Is there a better way of getting a cell suspension using the fries without lysing the cells?
What are the best ways in achieving well spread chromosomes for crustacean species?
Please help!
Chrissie
vum at np.edu.sg
