Determination of cellular DNA content of Iberian salamanders by flow cytometry

The DNA content per diploid nucleus (2 C-value) was determined for the eigh t species of Iberian salamanders by flow cytometry. All species showed high values, which are characteristic of Caudata. The species with the lowest v alue was Pleurodeles waltl (48.25 pg DNA/cell) and Salamandra salamandra ha d the highest values (70.55 pg DNA/cell). There were no statistical differe nces between sexes in any of the right species and DNA content was not dire ctly related with phylogeny. The values obtained are often higher than prev iously published estimates obtained with older and potentially less accurat e methodologies. We discuss the possible relationship between cellular DNA content and reproductive biology.