Skip to main content
Log in

Chromosome structure in the dinophyceae

II. Cytochemical studies

  • Published:
Archiv für Mikrobiologie Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Summary

A large number of cytochemical staining techniques together with chemical and enzymic extractions have been used on Prorocentrum micans. The object of this study being to ascertain the main chemical components of the unusual chromosomes found in the Dinophyceae.

DNA was the only major component which could be positively determined and unlike most other chromosomes these appeared to contain no protein or RNA. However, the chromosomes were embedded in a granular proteinaceous “nuclear matrix,” the function of which is as yet unknown. The similarity in the composition and structure of the chromosomes of Prorocentrum and the nuclei of Bacteria are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alfert, M., and I. I. Geschwind: A selective staining method for the basic proteins of cell nuclei. Proc. nat. Acad. Sci. (Wash.) 39, 991–999 (1953).

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloch, D. P., and H. Y. C. Hew: Schedule of spermatogenesis in the pulmonate snail Helix aspersa with special reference to histone transition. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 7, 515–532 (1960).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brachet, J.: Biochemical Cytology. New York: Academic Press 1957.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dodge, J. D.: The nucleus and nuclear division in the Dinophyceae. Arch. Protistenk. 106, 442–452 (1963a).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: Chromosome structure in the Dinophyceae. I. The spiral chromonema. Arch. Mikrobiol. 45, 46–57 (1963b).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Giesbrecht, P.: Vergleichende Untersuchungen über einige Reaktionen der Chromosomen von Bacillus megaterium und Amphidinium elegans. 4th Int. Kongr. E. M. Berlin (1958), S. 251–255 (1960).

  • —: Vergleichende Untersuchungen an den Chromosomen des Dinoflagellaten Amphidinium elegans und denen der Bakterien. Zbl. Bakt., I. Abt. Orig. 187, 452–498 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Grell, K., and K. E. Wohlfarth-Bottermann: Licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen an dem Dinoflagellaten Amphidinium elegans n.sp. Z. Zellforsch. 47, 7–17 (1957).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, W. A.: Botanical Histochemistry. San Francisco: Freeman 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kellenberger, E., A. Ryter, and J. Séchaud: Electron microscope study of DNA-containing plasms II. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 4, 671–678 (1958).

    Google Scholar 

  • —: The physical state of the bacterial nucleus. In: Microbial Genetics. p. 39–66. London: Cambridge University Press 1960.

    Google Scholar 

  • —: The study of natural and artificial DNA-plasms by thin sections. Symp. Int. Soc. Cell Biol. 1, 233–249 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Korson, R.: A differential stain for nucleic acids. Stain Technol. 26, 265–270 (1951).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kran, K.: Die Struktur des Chromosoms von Escherichia coli. Arch. Mikrobiol. 44, 1–22 (1962).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • La Cour, L. F., and J. Chayen: A cyclic staining behaviour of the chromosomes during mitosis and meisosis. Exp. Cell Res. 14, 462–468 (1958).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mazia, D., P. A. Breuer, and M. Alfert: The cytochemical staining and measurement of protein with mercuric bromphenol blue. Biol. Bull. 104, 57–67 (1953).

    Google Scholar 

  • MacGregor, H. C., and H. G. Callan: The actions of enzymes on lampbrush chromosomes. Quart. J. mier. Sci. 103, 173–203 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ris, H.: Interpretation of ultrastructure in the cell nucleus. Symp. Int. Soc. Cell Biol. 1, 69–88 (1962).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schlote, F. W.: Über den Feinbau von Chromosomen. 1. Zur Cytologie von Escherichia coli. A. Elektronenoptische Befunde. Arch. Mikrobiol. 40, 283–305 (1961).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Serra, J. A.: Histochemical tests for proteins and amino acids; the characterization of basic proteins. Stain Technol. 21, 5–18 (1946).

    Google Scholar 

  • Smillie, R. M., and G. Krotkov: The estimation of nucleic acids in some algae and higher plants. Canad. J. Bot. 38, 31–49 (1960).

    Google Scholar 

  • Swift, H.: Nucleic acids and cell morphology in dipteran salivary glands. In: J. M. Allen Ed. The molecular control of cell activity. New York 1962.

  • Zubay, G., and M. R. Watson: The absence of histone in the bacterium Escherichia coli. I. Preparation and analysis of nucleoprotein extract. J. biophys. biochem. Cytol. 5, 51–54 (1959).

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Dodge, J.D. Chromosome structure in the dinophyceae. Archiv. Mikrobiol. 48, 66–80 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00406598

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00406598

Keywords

Navigation