Bananas commonly have 33 chromosomes.
Chromosome Count in Bananas
The reference indicates that many banana varieties are hybrids and possess 33 chromosomes. Specifically:
- These bananas, which are a staple for billions in Asia and Africa, have a genome constitution of AAB or ABB.
- They have 2n=3x=33 chromosomes.
It is important to note that this is a common count, particularly for the widely consumed hybrid varieties.
Why Is This Important?
Understanding the chromosome count is essential for several reasons:
- Plant Breeding: Knowledge of chromosome numbers is crucial for breeding new banana varieties with desirable traits like disease resistance and increased yield.
- Genetic Studies: Chromosome count helps scientists understand banana genetics and evolution.
- Crop Improvement: This information enables scientists to manipulate the genome to improve existing banana varieties.
Example of a Common Banana Variety
The reference highlights that the 'Cavendish' banana variety, which accounts for about 15% of the world's production, does not have an explicit chromosome count in this reference but is understood to have the same ploidy and chromosome number as other AAB/ABB hybrids and thus 33 chromosomes.
Here’s a summary table:
| Banana Variety (common) | Genome Constitution | Chromosome Number |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrids (AAB or ABB type) | AAB or ABB | 33 |
| Cavendish | Expected AAB or ABB | 33 |
