Diagrammatic representation for chromosomal mutagenesis studies. I. Karyotypes most similar to that of man.

In an attempt to discover which primate species have the karyotypes most similar to that of man, the chromosome numbers, the Nombre Fondamental and the numbers of chromosomal rearrangements separating the karyotypes of many species were considered. In addition to man, 6 species were selected for their karyotypic similarities and 1 for its dissimilarity. A model representing the karyotypes, by 2 diagrams, is proposed for these 8 species. These diagrams characterize each karyotype, as well as the theoretical random distribution of break-points, after the effect of a clastogenic agent. This allows one to make quantitative analyses of any type of chromosomal rearrangement, with objective criteria, and should improve the study of chromosomal mutagenesis, and particularly interspecies comparisons.