Comparative cytogenetic analysis of the South American alligators Caiman latirostris and Caiman yacare (Reptilia, Alligatoridae) from Argentina

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Abstract
One of the most important cytogenetic characteristics among the crocodilians is the diploid number, that ranges from 30 to 42 chromosomes and the fundamental number (FN) from 56 to 62, without sex chromosomes heteromorphisms. The purpose of this study was to characterise the chromosome complement of Caiman yacare and C. latirostris from Argentina through conventional Giemsa staining and simple banding techniques (CBC and NOR). The chromosome preparations were made from peripherical blood culture, and C- and NOR- banding were applied following routinary methods. The data obtained point out that both species share a similar chromosome number (2n = 42) and morphology with the complements composed by 12 pairs of telocentric chromosomes, 7 pairs of biarmed chromosomes and 2 pairs which could be considered microchromosomes. No conspicuous differences were revealed in the C-banding patterns and in both species the NOR’s was found on one of the small chromosome pairs.