Abstract 35S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sites are the regions where the ribosomal genes 18S, 5.8S and 25S, responsible for the formation of the nucleoli, are found. The fact that rDNA sites have non-random distribution on chromosomes suggests that their positions may influence their transcription. To identify if the preferentially transcribed rDNA sites occupy specific position, six species (nine cytotypes) of the genus Nothoscordum were analyzed using two different techniques to impregnate the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) with silver nitrate. Both techniques strongly stained NORs, but one of them also stained the proximal region of all chromosomes, suggesting the existence of another group of argentophilic proteins in this region. In species with rDNA... |