Unusual kinetochores and chromatin diminution in Parascaris

Abstract

The first description of the cytogenetics of the horse parasitic nematode Ascaris megalocephala (Parascaris equorum) represented an important step in the history of genetics. The chromosomes of this organism possess a particular centromeric organization and undergo a process known as chromatin diminution in all presomatic cells during early development. Both these unusual features make Parascaris a good model to study general aspects of chromosome biology.