The article describes the using of laser microdissection approach for the preparation of whole chromosome painting probes in Silurana (Xenopus) tropicalis. Subsequent Zoo-FISH analysis with the karyotype of its tetraploid relative Xenopus laevis revealed persistence of chromosomal quartets even after 50-65 million years of separate evolution.
Allotetraploid origin of X. laevis was given by hybridization with a probe derived from the smallest X. tropicalis chromosome (Xt10).