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Human chromosome uncoiling and dissociation
Author(s) -
BROOKE JOHN H.,
JENKINS DONALD P.,
LAWSON RUSSELL K.,
OSGOOD EDWIN E.
Publication year - 1962
Publication title -
annals of human genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.537
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1469-1809
pISSN - 0003-4800
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-1809.1962.tb01320.x
Subject(s) - divalent , chemistry , dissociation (chemistry) , bivalent (engine) , chromosome , biophysics , electron microscope , ionic strength , fixation (population genetics) , crystallography , biochemistry , biology , aqueous solution , organic chemistry , physics , optics , metal , gene
Summary The treatment of human chromosomes with solutions of low ionic strength produces changes in their characteristic morphology, in particular a 0.01 M solution of KCl produces uncoiling of the primary coils of the chromosome; and when the metaphase cells are allowed to rupture by air drying without fixation, the uncoiled chromosomes will dissociate into their constituent longitudinal subunits. The action of the monovalent salt KC1 is reduced in the presence of the divalent salts CaCl 2 or MgCl 2 ; and if the proper balance between the divalent and monovalent salts is maintained, the uncoiling and dissociation of the chromosomes is entirely prevented. The multistranded nature of the human chromosome as seen after treatment with the 0.01 M‐KCl can be related to the structure of the chromosome as seen with the electron microscope and to the structure of chromosomes from other species where their study has been somewhat easier.