Mapping of the pattern of DNA replication in polytene chromosomes from Chironomus thummi using monoclonal anti‐bromodeoxyuridine antibodies

We present results from a nonautoradiographic study of DNA replication in polytene chromosomes from dipteran larvae. Monoclonal antibodies with specificity for 5‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) were used to localize by indirect immunofluorescence the sites of BrdUrd incorporation and to follow the dynamics of DNA synthesis in salivary gland cells of 4th instar Chironomus thummi larvae. This technique presents numerous advantages over autoradiographic procedures and allows mapping of DNA synthesis patterns at the level of resolution of one chromosomal band. Several replication patterns were observed, classified according to characteristic features, and tentatively assigned to specific periods of the S‐phase. In early S‐phase, DNA synthesis is first detectable in puffs and inter‐bands, later in bands. Most chromosomalbands appear to initiate DNA synthesis synchronously; however, in bands within centromeric and heterochromatic regions the start of synthesis is delayed. At mid S‐phase, all the bands show uniform staining. Subsequent staining patterns are increasingly differential with the bands displaying characteristic fluorescence intensities. As replication progresses through the late S‐phase period, the chromosomes show a decreasing number of fluorescent bands. The last bands to terminate replication are located in centromeric and heterochromatic DNA‐rich regions and a few bands of low DNA content in region IIAa‐c.