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Electron-microscope studies of drosophila salivary-gland chromosomes

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Summary

The submicroscopic structure of the chromosomes of the larval salivary gland cells inDrosophila melanogaster has been studied by means of electron microscopy of thin sections.

The three fixatives used were buffered 1% osmium tetroxide, unbuffered Zenker's solution, and buffered formaldehyde in concentrations of 0·1% and 1·0%. It was found that formalin preserves the fine structure of the chromosomes better than the other fixatives.

Nucleoprotein is present in the chromosome in the form of granules 200 Å to 300 Å in diameter. The granules are connected together by strands of protein approximately 100 Å in diameter. The length of the strands between successive granules in the banded areas is 100 Å to 300 Å and in the interband regions it is 700 Å to 900 Å.

Heterochromatin differs from euchromatin in the absence or reduction in the amount of strand material.

The nucleolus is composed of an aggregate of granules 300 Å to 600 Å in diameter contained in an amorphous matrix. Within the nucleolus are a series of canals containing material similar in appearance to that of the euchromatic band material.

Submicroscopic granules are also present in the karyoplasm and in the cytoplasm surrounding the nuclear membrane. The cytoplasmic granules are more densely distributed near the nuclear membrane.

A model for chromosome structure is proposed.

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  1. Applied Fisheries Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle

    F. G. Lowman

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  1. F. G. Lowman
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The Applied Fisheries Laboratory is operated by the University of Washington under Contract No. AT(45-1)540 with the United States Atomic Energy Commission.

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Lowman, F.G. Electron-microscope studies of drosophila salivary-gland chromosomes. Chromosoma 8, 30–52 (1956). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01259492

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