I need to determine ploidity levels in some wild species. How many cells should I look at to really be sure? I have been told that I need to see 30 roots from each plant and count in 30 cells from each root which would in total be 900 cells. Is this exagerated?
I think that the number of cells is fine.
In the following paper the quantification of the number of
chromosomes was performed in metaphasic cells from the
total of 4000 cells analysed.
http://www.notulaebotanicae.ro/index.php/nbha/article/viewFile/9006/7609
Dear Ieva
I believe that it is depend on samples. Cross polinating plants with more genetic diversity need more metaphasic plate but I think 30.30 is too much and 15 roottips for each samples and 10 metaphasic plate observation could be adequate.
Good luck
May be it always depends on results. Clear and spread mitotic metaphase cell is very essential. If you get different chromosome number then you have to increase your root tips sampling number. If same chromosome number is found in every slide, then 3-5 root tips may be enough.
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