On the nature of visible chromosomal gaps and breaks

Abstract

From the earliest days of chromosomal aberration studies, the distinction, nature and origin of light-microscope observed "gaps" and "breaks" have been topics for debate and controversy. In this paper we survey, briefly, the various ideas that have appeared in the very extensive literature, and attempt to evaluate them in the light of our current understanding of chromosome structure and aberration formation. Attention is drawn to the problems of interpretation caused by G2/S cell imprecision.