Partial Mitotic Synchronization and Giemsa G-banding in Allium wakegi

Hydroxyurea (HU), a DNA synthesis inhibitor, was tested as synchronizing agent in root-tip meristem of Allium wakegi. Roots were treated with 2.5mM HU for 14 h to accumulate meristem root-tip cells at the G1/S interface. After release from HU block, the cells re-entered the cell cycle with a high degree of synchrony. Synchronized mitotic frequency of A. wakegi was 22.7%, which was about 3.9 times as high as that of the control. The highest metaphase index(23.0%) was obtained when, 6 h after release from the HU block, the roots were treated with 0.05% colchicine for 2 h. Modifying various Giemsa staining protocols defined for animals and a few plant species, G-bands were visualized at prometaphase and metaphase chromosomes of A. wakegi. The higher degree of chromosome condensation, the less differential bands could be resolved. This is the first demonstration introduced partial mitotic synchronization into G-banding in plant.