The relationship between gene density and chromosome banding patterns in mammalian nuclei

Most species of eukaryotes examined so far exhibit some degree of chromosome banding (reviewed in Sumner, 1990). Of all eukaryotes, however, mammalian chromosomes respond to the widest range of banding techniques. Of all mammalian species, humans have been the most widely studied with respect to chromosome banding and physical gene mapping. However, the vast majority of banding patterns demonstrated in humans have also been shown in other mammalian species.