Characterization of restriction nuclease prepared chromatin by electron microscopy

Chromatin was solubilized from rat liver nuclei by digestion with the restriction nuclease EcoRI or HaeIII in the presence or absence of EDTA and sodium chloride. The samples were investigated by electron microscopy after positive and negative staining with uranyl acetate under a number of conditions. Depending on the salt concentration during solubilization the chromatin appeared as beads on the string or in more compact form. Solenoid- and superbead-like structures were seen as had been reported for chromatin solubilized with micrococcal nuclease.