C, Q and H-banding in the analysis of Y chromosome rearrangements in Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

In Lucilia cuprina C-banding produces procentric bands on all autosomes and deep staining over most of the X and Y chromosomes which conciderably facilitates the analysis of complex Y chromosome rearrangements. The Y chromosome is generally darkly C-banded throughout while in the X chromosome a pale staining segment is found in the distal portion of the long arm. Modulation of the banding reaction results in 'grey' areas in both X and Y. When C-banding is compared with allocycly it is clear that not all heteropycnotic regions in the sex chromosomes C-band to the same extent. Secondary constrictions in the short arms of both X and Y chromosomes are clearly revealed by C-banding, the X satellite being polymorphic for size.--Q-banding results in a brightly fluorescing band in the short arm of structurally normal Y chromosomes. This band loses its fluorescence in some translocations, probably through a position effect. Hoechst 33258 staining does not produce any brightly fluorescing bands.