Chromosome Banding | Genetics | Life science
Chromosome Banding | Genetics | Life science
Chromosome banding refers to alternating light and dark regions along the length of a chromosome, produced after staining with a dye. A band is defined as the part of a chromosome that is clearly distinguishable from its adjacent segments by appearing darker or lighter with the use of one or more banding techniques.
Applications of Chromosome Banding
In humans, G-banding is used to identify chromosome abnormalities and rearrangements in genetic diseases and cancers. Banding is also valuable for the identification of chromosome rearrangements that have occurred in the course of evolution.
The most common methods of dye- based chromosome banding are G- (Giemsa), R- (reverse), C- (centromere) and Q- (quinacrine) banding. Bands that show strong staining are referred to as positive bands; weakly staining bands are negative bands.