Characterization of nuclear structures containing superhelical DNA.

Journal article

Structures resembling nuclei but depleted of protein may be released by gently lysing cells in solutions containing non-ionic detergents and high concentrations of salt. These nucleoids sediment in gradients containing intercalating agents in a manner characteristic of DNA that is intact, supercoiled and circular. The concentration of salt present during isolation of human nucleoids affects their protein content. When made in I-95 M NaCl they lack histones and most of the proteins characteristic of chromatin; in 1-0 M NaCl they contain variable amounts of histones. The effects of various treatments on nucleoid integrity were investigated.

Authors: Cook, P; Brazell, I; Jost, E

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of cell science
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 303-324
• Publication date: 1976-11-01
• EISSN: 1477-9137
• ISSN: 0021-9533
• Language: English
• Keywords: Ribonucleases; Nucleic Acid Conformation; Species Specificity; Acridines; DNA; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Gamma Rays; Cell Nucleus; Pronase; Hela Cells; Cells, Cultured; Nucleoproteins; Sodium Chloride; Temperature; Cell Fractionation; Centrifugation, Density Gradient; RNA