PLANT CHROMOSOME ANALYSIS AND SORTING BY FLOW CYTOMETRY

During the past decade, significant progress has been made in the development of methods for the preparation of plant chromosome suspensions suitable for flow cytometric analysis. In addition to successful classification of chromosomes (flow karyotyping), sorting of single chromosome types with a high degree of purity was reported in several plant species. Sorted chromosomes were used for the establishment of chromosome-specific DNA libraries and for gene mapping. The results confirmed the potential of plant flow cytogenetics and form a solid basis for further progress in this area. This article reviews its current status, analyzes major problems, and assesses future directions.