A Rapid Method for Permanent Aceto-Carmine Squash Preparations

MOST methods of preserving chromosome configurations prepared by aceto-carmine squash techniques involve either a somewhat lengthy procedure by which the tissues come to be mounted in balsam or ‘Euparal’, or else an effective sealing-off of the aqueous medium by ringing with ‘Vaseline’ or other impervious material. The former methods are time-consuming, and there is a risk that cells may become distorted in the process. The latter procedures are often unsatisfactory over long periods and frequently necessitate storage in the refrigerator to prevent darkening and deterioration.