Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the 5S rDNA site number, position, and origin of signal pattern diversity in 42 plant species using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The species were selected based on the discovery of karyotype rearrangement, or because 5S rDNA had not yet been explored the species. The chromosome number varied from 14 to 160, and the chromosome length ranged from 0.63 to 6.88 μm, with 21 species having small chromosomes (<3 μm). The chromosome numbers of three species and the 5S rDNA loci of nineteen species are reported for the first time. Six 5S rDNA signal pattern types were identified. The 5S rDNA varied and was abundant in signal site numbers (2-18), positions (distal, proximal, outside of chromosome arms), and even in signal intensity. Variation in the numbers and locations of 5S rDNA was observed in 20 species, whereas an extensive stable number and location of 5S rDNA was found in 22 species. The potential origin of the signal pattern diversity was proposed and discussed. These data characterized the variability of 5S rDNA within the karyotypes of the 42 species that exhibited chromosomal rearrangements and provided anchor points for genetic physical maps.