Abstract
During the process of chromosome condensation the rate of RNA synthesis declines to almost zero at metaphase and does not resume before late telophase. Thus, in contrast to polytene or lampbrush chromosomes no primary transcripts are attached to mitotic chromosomes and hence it is impossible to directly map its genetic activity. Two methodological approaches are now available to overcome this difficulty: one is based on the interphase nature of prematurely condensed chromosomes (PCC), the other on the different topological states of potentially active and inactive chromatin which are still maintained at metaphase.
Dedicated to Prof. Dr. B. E. Wolf on his 75th birthday
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Davidson, E. H. and J. W. Posakony 1982, Repetitive sequence trancripts in development. Nature 297, 633–635
Gazit, B., Cedar, H., Lerer K., and R. Voss 1982, Active genes are sensitive to Deoxyribonuclease I during metaphase. Science 217, 648–650
Gvozdev, V. A., Ananier, E. V., Kotelyanskaya, A. E., and J. F. Zhimuler 1980, Transcription of intercalary heterochromatin regions in Drosophila melanogaster cell culture. Chromosoma 80, 177–190
Holmquist, G., Gray, M., Porter, T., and J. Jordan 1982, Characterization of Giemsa dark-and light-band DNA. Cell 31, 121–129
Jamrich, M., Warrior, R., Steele, R., and J. G. Gall 1983, Transcription of repetitive sequences on Xenopus lampbrush chromosomes. Proc. Natl. Acad Sci USA 80, 3364–3367
Kerem, B-S., Goitein, R., Richier, C., Marcus M., and H. Cedar 1983, In situ nick-translation distinguishes between active and inactive X chromosomes. Nature 303, 88–90
Kuo, M. T., and G. F. Saunders 1977, Location of messenger specifying sequences in mammalian chromosomes. Chromosoma 63, 241–252
Mathis, D., Oudet, P., and P. Chambon 1980, Structure of transcribing chromatin. Progr Natl. Acid. Res. Mol. Biol. 24, 1–55
Neitzel, H., Raman, R., Deleener, A., and K. Sperling 1982, Cytological evaluation of activity of nucleolar organizing regions in prematurely condensed chromosomes. In Premature Chromosome Condensation. ( Rao, P. N., Johnson, R. T., and K. Sperling eds), 159–172. New York: Academic Press
Pierpont, M. E., and J. J. Yunis 1977, Localization of chromosomal RNA in human G-banded metaphase chromosomes. Exp. Cell Res. 106, 303–308
Rao, P. N., and R. T. Johnson 1970, Mammalian cell fusion; Studies on the regulation of DNA synthesis and mitosis. Nature 225, 159–164
Rao, P. N., Johnson, R. T., and K. Sperling (eds) 1982, Premature Chromosome Condensation. New York: Academic Press
Sommerville, J., and U. Scheer 1982, Transcription of complementary repeat sequences in amphibian oocytes. Chromosoma 86, 95–113
Sperling, K. 1982, Cell cycle and chromosome cycle: morphological and functional aspects. In Premature Chromosome Condensation. (Rao, P. N., Johnson, R. T., and K. Sperling eds), 43–78. New York: Academic Press
Varley, J. M., Macgregor, H. C., Nardi, J., Andrews, C., and H. P. Erba 1980, Cytological evidence of transcription of
highly repeated DNA sequences during the lampbrush stage in Triturus cristatus carnifex. Chromosoma 80, 289–307
Weintraub, H., and M. Groudine 1976, Chromosomal subunits in active genes have an altered conformation. Science 193, 848–858.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1984 The Organising Committee of the VIII International Chromosome, Conference, Lübeck
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Sperling, K., Marcus, M. (1984). Mapping of genetic activity on mammalian chromosomes. In: Bennett, M.D., Gropp, A., Wolf, U. (eds) Chromosomes Today. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-9163-3_16
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-9163-3_16
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-9165-7
Online ISBN: 978-94-010-9163-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive