Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the most versatile and accurate molecular cytogenetic technique for determining euchromatic-heterochromatic boundaries and the locations of repetitive and single-copy DNA sequences and of chromosome-specific BAC clones on chromosomes. The combination of cytogenetic and genetic methods yields a highresolution physical map. FISH allows direct mapping of specific DNA sequences inside the cell (interphase nuclei), along meiotic pachytene chromosomes and isolated chromatin (DNA fibres). The increased sensitivity of the technique and its ability to detect gene locations provide a powerful research tool for genetic and pre-breeding studies. FISH-based physical mapping plays an important role and is increasingly used for studies at the cytological level on the chromatin organization that controls gene expression and regulation. The present minireview describes some of the benefits of alternative FISH-based techniques and their application for studying plant chromosomes and genomes.
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