On the arrangement of chromosomes in the elongated sperm nuclei of Anura (amphibia)

The position of specific constitutive heterochromatic chromosome regions within the elongated sperm nuclei of eight species of Anura was examined with Q- and C-banding. These species differ widely with regard to the number, size and position of the brightly fluorescing heterochromatic regions. The empirical frequency distributions determined for the heterochromatic regions relative to the longitudinal axis of the sperm nuclei were compared with random frequency distributions calculated on the basis of two spatial models. None of the specifically stained heterochromatic regions occupy any definite preferential position within the sperm nuclei. In two instances, a specific sequence of the heterochromatic regions within the sperm nuclei could be excluded. The type of chromosomal arrangement within the elongated sperm nuclei of Anura is discussed on the basis of the distribution patterns obtained.