Sister-chromatid exchange rates in XX and XY cells of ten chimeric Callithrix jacchus individuals.

In order to ascertain whether or not sister-chromatid exchange (SCE) differs in relation to sex, SCE rates in XX and XY cells from 10 specimens of marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) were examined. The choice of this primate is particularly suitable for three reasons: most individuals have a chimeric constitution, the X chromosome is quite large and the Y chromosome is particularly small. Therefore, the influence of possible differences in their exposure to the external environment can be eliminated. The results obtained did not reveal any significant difference between SCE rates in male and female cells in any of the examined individuals.