Evolution of ZW Sex Chromosomes in <i>Ptyas</i> Snakes (Reptilia, Colubridae): New Insights from a Molecular Cytogenetic Perspective.

ABSTRACT: Snakes are cytogenetically dynamic, characterized by largely conserved diploid chromosome numbers although displaying varied variable evolutionary stages of their sex chromosomes. This study examined four snakes, with a special focus on the genus Ptyas, to provide evolutionary insights into the evolution of ZW sex chromosomes. We performed an extensive karyotype characterization using conventional and molecular cytogenetic approaches, described for the first time the karyotype of Ptyas korros, and revisited the karyotype descriptions of P. mucosa, Chrysopelea ornata, and Fowlea flavipunctatus. We found that all species except F. flavipunctatus have highly heterochromatic W chromosomes enriched in satDNAs or microsatellite repeats. Repetitive sequen

SUBMITTER: Setti PG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12111239 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature