Variation of univariate flow karyotypes and chromosomal DNA contents in maize (Zea mays L.)

Analyses of flow karyotypes using different maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines have been performed. The accmuulation and isolation of high quality and quantity metaphase chromosomes from root tips can be achieved from many kinds of maize lines. The chromosome suspensions were prepared by a simple slicing method from synchronized maize root tips and analyzed with a flow cytometry. The variations of experimental flow karyotypes were detected among inbred linen in terms of the positions and/or the numbers of chromosome peaks. The 20 DNA amount among 8 inbred lines ranged from 5.09 to 5.52 pg. The variability of DNA content in maize chrornusome 1 was 9.1%. ranging from 0.685 to 0.747 pg. The selection of appropriate maize tiers is critical for sorting specific single chrornusome types. At least live different chrornusome types can be discriminated and sorted from live maize lines.