Karyological studies of Achatina fulica and Achatina achatina (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46325/gabj.v9i1.410Keywords:
Chromosome, Diploid, Karyotype, Metaphase, SnailAbstract
Karyological studies were carried out on two Achatina species (Achatina fulica and Achatina achatina) that inhabit Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. This study was undertaken to determine their chromosome morphology and the level of relatedness. Chromosomes were prepared from the ovotestes of the snails which were injected with 0.4% colchicine solution. Chromosomes in well-spread cells were counted and measured directly from the slide using a calibrated eyepiece graticule. Arm ratios and centromeric indices were determined from these measurements. The chromosomes were classified based on the centromeric indices obtained and idiograms were constructed from the measurements. The fundamental number (FN) of arms was determined for each species. Photomicrographs of well-spread representative mitotic metaphase chromosomes were made and used to construct a standard karyotype for each species. Photomicrographs of well-spread meiotic cells were also made. After the examination of over 150 well-spread metaphase cells, the diploid chromosome number of 2n = 60 was recorded for both A. fulica, and A. achatina. However, there are observable differences in their karyotypes which support their classification into different species. The similarity in their chromosome numbers indicates a close ancestral lineage
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