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cytotaxonomy

The use of chromosome studies (i.e. number, structure, and behaviour) in taxonomic work. Chromosome number is probably the most frequently quoted feature of the *karyotype used by taxonomists. Chromosome counts are usually made on sporophytic tissue at mitosis and are therefore the diploid number (2n). When dealing with a polyploid series, the base number (i.e. the number of chromosomes present in the original haploid *genome) may be given. The position of the centromere is a reliable feature of chromosome structure and consequently makes a good *taxonomic character. More detailed studies of meiotic behaviour can reveal, for example, the heterozygosity of some *inversions. Such a feature may be consistent for a particular taxon, thus providing additional taxonomic evidence. Cytological data is sometimes thought to be of special significance, and may be ascribed more weight (see weighting) than other taxonomic evidence.

 
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