[The chromosome bands. Significance for clinical and cytogenetic research (author's transl)].

The methods of performing chromosomal investigations have been fundamentally changed in the last few years through the discovery of differential staining methods. While only a rough classification of the chromosomes into single groups could be carried out earlier, it is now possible to identify every individual pair of chromosomes on the basis of a typical pattern of bands. By means of these banding techniques smaller chromosomal variations can be recognized which were overlooked earlier and which have led to the delineation of new chromosomal malformation syndromes. In the present work, the modern methods of chromosome analysis are reviewed. Examples from clinical diagnosis show the necessity of using these techniques.