This laboratory manual offers a hands-on approach to plant chromosome analysis, combining classical cytogenetics with modern molecular techniques. It begins with an introduction to cell division and plant chromosome structure, and follows into fundamental microscopy skills and the preparation of somatic and gametic chromosomes using both classical and enzymatic maceration methods. Detailed staining protocols, karyomorphological analysis and photomicrography techniques are covered to ensure reproducibility and clarity in chromosome visualization. This volume further includes real-world case studies using widely studied plant species such as Allium cepa, Nigella sativa, and Aloe vera, offering valuable comparative insight into chromosomal structure, number and anomalies. The chapters cover advanced topics including fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), genome size estimation and the C-value paradox, along with a primer on flow cytometry and biostatistical analysis for chromosome data.
Supported with illustrations, protocols, and a glossary of instruments, this book serves as an essential reference for cytogenetics laboratories and teaching institutions. Designed for students, researchers, and laboratory professionals in plant biology, cytogenetics and molecular sciences, this book provides a clear and practical understanding of plant chromosome behavior and visualization.
.
Chapter 1: Introduction
.
Chapter 2: An Overview of Cell Division and Plant Chromosomes
.
Chapter 3: Preparation of Somatic Chromosomes by Classical Cytogenetics
.
Chapter 4: Preparation of Somatic Chromosomes by EMA based Molecular
Cytogenetics
.
Chapter 5: Karyotype and Karyotype Analysis
.
Chapter 6: Gametic Chromosome Analysis
.
Chapter 7: Chromosome Studies from Permanent Slides with Salient Features
.
Chapter 8: Genome Size and C-Value Paradox in Plants
.
Chapter 9: Flow Cytometry Foundations of Modern Cell Analysis
.
Chapter 10:Concept and Applications of Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization
.
Chapter 11:Biostatistics
.
Chapter 12:Instruments.
Dr. Timir Baran Jha is a retired faculty member of the West Bengal Senior Education Service (WBSES), India. He joined the West Bengal Education Service (WBES) in 1979 and has extensive experience teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate courses at various government colleges in West Bengal, India, focusing on plant biotechnology and plant cytogenetics. For over four decades, Dr. Jha has conducted research in the fields of plant biotechnology and plant chromosomes. He has authored a book on plant biotechnology and published more than 90 research papers in national and international journals in his areas of expertise. Although retired, Dr. Jha remains active in teaching and research. He is currently working on developing a chromosomal database for valuable Indian crop plants using molecular cytogenetics.
Dr. Mihir Halder is currently working as an assistant professor in the Post-Graduate Department of Botany at Barasat Government College in West Bengal, India. He earned his bachelor's degree in botany in 2007 from Presidency College, Kolkata, and his master's degree in botany in 2009 from the University of Calcutta. In 2017, he received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Calcutta, India. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Halder has been actively teaching courses in genetics, cell and molecular biology, and plant biotechnology. He has made significant research contributions in the fields of plant cytogenetics and plant biotechnology, having published 23 research papers and book chapters.
