[New possibilities for studying complex macromolecular structures of the cell by encasing cells in polyacrylamide...

A method is proposed for incorporation of mammalian cells into spheres permeable for protein molecules, the dimensions of these spheres not overcoming those of the cells. The method permits fractionation of the cells, preserving them as discrete units resistant to mechanical and hydrodynamic destruction in the course of routine laboratory manipulations, as well as using flow cytometry for their analysis. With this approach, the flow cytometric measurements were made of DNA being shielded in the chromatin complex which prevents from binding fluorescent dyes with low-molecular weights.