Chromosome and isoenzyme studies on cells derived from protoplast fusion of Nicotiana glauca with glycine max-Nicotiana glauca cell hybrids.

The somatic hybrids of Glycine max (L)Merr.-Nicotiana glauca Grah. exhibited a preferential loss of N. glauca chromosomes. When protoplasts from such hybrid cells were 'back fused' twice to N. glauca protoplasts, a considerable increase in stability of the N. glauca chromosomes was observed. Gel electrophoresis studies of aspartate aminotransferase showed that the chromosome(s) responsible for this enzyme was stabilized in the 'back fused' hybrid cell lines. The data suggest that the 'back fusion' technique described in this study might aid in stabilizing somatic hybrids.