Nuclear DNA amounts in angiosperms

Abstract

The number of angiosperm species for which nuclear DNA amount estimates have been made has nearly trebled since the last collected lists of such values were published, and therefore, publication of a more comprehensive list is overdue. This paper lists absolute nuclear DNA amounts for 753 angiosperm species. The data were assembled primarily for reference purposes, and so the species are listed in alphabetical order, as this was felt to be more helpful to cyto- and biochemists whom, it is anticipated, will be among its major users. The paper also reviews aspects of the history, nomenclature, methods, accuracy and problems of nuclear DNA estimation in angiosperms. No attempt is made to reconsider those aspects of nuclear DNA estimation which have been fully revised previously, although the bibliography of such aspects is given. Instead, the paper is intended as a source of basic information regarding the terminology, practice and limitations of nuclear DNA estimation, especially by Feulgen microdensitometry, as currently practiced.