Lampbrush Chromosome and the Malabar Civet

Chromosomes hold our DNA. Normally, they are microscopic. However, Lampbrush Chromosomes are a special type of giant chromosome (macromosome).

• Where are they found?: They are prominently found in the growing egg cells (oocytes) of most animals, except mammals. They are especially studied in amphibians like frogs and salamanders.
• Why the name?: Under a microscope, they have a thick central axis with many fine lateral loops sticking out, making them look exactly like the bristly brushes used to clean old-fashioned glass lamps or test tubes.
• Function: Their uncoiled, looped structure allows the cell to rapidly transcribe a massive amount of RNA, which is needed to build the large egg.

The Malabar Large-spotted Civet (Viverra civettina) is a nocturnal mammal native to the Western Ghats of India (primarily Kerala and Karnataka).

• Appearance: It looks somewhat like a cross between a cat and a mongoose, with large dark spots against a greyish body and a banded tail.
• Status: It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. It is considered one of the rarest mammals in the world, with some experts fearing it might already be extinct due to extreme habitat loss (cashew and rubber plantations destroying its natural forest home).