Distribution of human chromosomes on the metaphase plate using banding techniques.

This study deals with the problem of distribution of the 46 centromeres on the human metaphase plate after treatment with colchicine and hypotonic shock. The location of the centromeres was recorded for 400 metaphases in which the chromosomes were identified by bands. A quantitative analysis of chromosome distribution ascertains the absence of proximities between homologous chromosomes. The already known ones between acrocentric chromosomes are found at a very high level. The nature and intensity of these proximities vary from one sample to another as is the case between heterologues. A three-dimensional graphic technique is proposed to summarize all of the interchromosome proximities.