Chromosome bands

The ability to band chromosomes is of obvious and proven practical value in cytogenetics, but in addition, the fact that chromosomes can be banded suggests that they are highly organised structures and that this compartmentalisation reflects fundamental aspects of chromosome function and how the nucleus handles the genome. It is this facet of chromosome banding that is pursued in this book, drawing mainly on studies of mammalian chromosomes but where appropriate introducing work on chromosomes from other organisms. The subject is approached from the point of view of cell biology, which is not an area often considered by those using chromosome banding in a practical way.