Amborella trichopoda
Baill. (Amborellaceae), which, based on multiple gene analyses, was recently identified as the first branch in the angiosperm evolution, has somatic chromosomes of 2n=26 (x=13). At metaphase all the chromosomes have centromeres at the median position. Chromosomes of one pair are longer than those of the 12 remaining pairs, and have a secondary or small constriction. Based on karyotype analysis, as well as a survey of chromosome numbers in two other earliest lineages (i.e., Nymphaeaceae and Illiciales), the x=13 of Amborella is likely to be derived from x=14. The hypothesis that x=7 is the original base number in the angiosperms was briefly discussed.
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Received 30 May 2000/ Accepted in revised form 22 July 2000
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Oginuma, K., Jaffré, T. & Tobe, H. The Karyotype Analysis of Somatic Chromosomes in Amborella trichopoda (Amborellaceae). J Plant Res 113, 281–283 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00013938
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00013938