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The Y Chromosome in Human Spermatozoa

Nature volume 226, pages 961–962 (1970)Cite this article

Abstract

ATTEMPTS have been made to distinguish between spermatozoa of mammals containing either an X or a Y chromosome by looking for differences in size and surface properties of the two classes of cells (see refs. 1 and 2 for reviews), but the results of such approaches are equivocal. Another approach is to try to identify the X or Y chromosome within the head of the spermatozoon. Like Zech3 and others4,5, we have found that the distal end of the long arm of the Y chromosome in mitotic and meiotic meta-phase nuclei of human cells displays a fluorescence more brilliant than that shown by the other chromosomes when stained with either quinacrine or quinacrine mustard. This property is carried by the Y chromosome into the chromatin of the mature spermatozoon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Paediatric Research Unit, Guy's Hospital Medical School, London, SE1

    PETER BARLOW

  2. Botany School, University of Oxford,

    C. G. VOSA

Authors
  1. PETER BARLOW
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  2. C. G. VOSA
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BARLOW, P., VOSA, C. The Y Chromosome in Human Spermatozoa. Nature 226, 961–962 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1038/226961a0

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