Physical mapping of the 5S rDNA gene complex in rice (Oryza sativa).

This study was designed to use biotin labelling in situ hybridization to physically map the 5S rDNA genes to a chromosome arm location in rice. Chromosome preparations were made using an improved protoplast technique, which resulted in more mitotic cells with less overlying cytoplasmic and cellular debris. Cells in which both chromatids were labelled were observed. The hybridization detection level for the 5S rDNA gene complex was 17.22%. The results established that the 5S rDNA gene complex of rice is located at the end of the short arm of chromosome 9 in rice cultivar IR36. The similarities and differences of the 5S rDNA gene complex location between rice and other cereals and advantages of in situ hybridization for physical mapping are discussed.