Chromosome Y sequencing of giant panda. Ailuropoda melanoleuca

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an endangered species in China. Male giant pandas have reproductive defects such as low natural mating rate, poor sperm quality, and infertility that inhibit population growth. More information is needed on the genetics of giant panda reproduction in order to understand their biological characteristics. We collected male giant panda skeletal muscle tissue, cultured it, and then separated single Y chromosomes during metaphase of mitosis.