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Heterochromatin

Heterochromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...

Heterochromatin

Heterochromatin

The extent of chromatin compaction can be studied by staining chromatin using specific DNA binding dyes. Under the microscope, the dense-compacted regions that take up more dye are called heterochromatin. Heterochromatin is further classified into two forms – constitutive heterochromatin and facultative heterochromatin.
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

Genomic DNA in Prokaryotes

The genome of most prokaryotic organisms consists of double-stranded DNA organized into one circular chromosome in a region of cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The chromosome is tightly wound, or supercoiled, for efficient storage. Prokaryotes also contain other circular pieces of DNA called plasmids. These plasmids are smaller than the chromosome and often carry genes that confer adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
Genomic Diversity in Bacteria
Although bacterial genomes are much...

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Inheritance of Chromatin Structures

Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying DNA...

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene chromosomes are giant interphase chromosomes with several DNA strands placed side by side. They were discovered in the year 1881 by Balbiani in salivary glands, intestine, muscles, malpighian tubules, and hypoderm of larvae Chironomus plumosus. Hence, these are also called "Salivary gland chromosomes." These are found in insects of the order Diptera and Collembola; in certain organs of mammals; and synergids, antipodes of flowering plants. Polytene chromosomes are also regularly...

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene Chromosomes

Polytene chromosomes are giant interphase chromosomes with several DNA strands placed side by side. They were discovered in the year 1881 by Balbiani in salivary glands, intestine, muscles, malpighian tubules, and hypoderm of larvae Chironomus plumosus. Hence, these are also called "Salivary gland chromosomes." These are found in insects of the order Diptera and Collembola; in certain organs of mammals; and synergids, antipodes of flowering plants. Polytene chromosomes are also regularly...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Formation of Human Prostate Epithelium Using Tissue Recombination of Rodent Urogenital Sinus Mesenchyme and Human Stem Cells

Formation of Human Prostate Epithelium Using Tissue Recombination of Rodent Urogenital Sinus Mesenchyme and Human Stem Cells

Published on: June 22, 2013

Human prostasomes contain chromosomal DNA.

K Göran Ronquist¹, Gunnar Ronquist, Lena Carlsson

¹Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.

|January 15, 2009

Summary

Human prostasomes contain chromosomal DNA, protected from degradation, suggesting a role in DNA delivery to sperm cells. This finding highlights prostasomes as potential carriers of genetic material.

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Immunofluorescent Staining for Visualization of Heterochromatin Associated Proteins in Drosophila Salivary Glands

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Last Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Formation of Human Prostate Epithelium Using Tissue Recombination of Rodent Urogenital Sinus Mesenchyme and Human Stem Cells

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Published on: June 22, 2013

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Immunofluorescent Staining for Visualization of Heterochromatin Associated Proteins in Drosophila Salivary Glands

Immunofluorescent Staining for Visualization of Heterochromatin Associated Proteins in Drosophila Salivary Glands

Published on: August 21, 2021

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Reproductive Biology

Background:

Prostasomes are vesicles secreted by the prostate gland.
Their composition and function, particularly regarding genetic material, are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

To comprehensively evaluate the presence and location of DNA within human prostasomes.
To investigate the potential role of prostasomes in DNA delivery.

Main Methods:

Purification of prostasomes from seminal fluid and PC-3 cells.
DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, cloning, and sequencing.
Nuclease (DNase) treatment and flow cytometry with DNA stains to determine DNA location.

Main Results:

Human chromosomal DNA was identified in prostasomes from both sources.
DNase treatment indicated that the DNA was shielded within the prostasomes.
Flow cytometry confirmed an intracellular location of the DNA.
Sequencing revealed gene sequences within the prostasomal DNA, originating from chromosomes.

Conclusions:

Human prostasomes contain and protect chromosomal DNA internally.
These findings support a potential DNA-delivery function of prostasomes to sperm cells.
Prostasomes may play a role in the transmission of genetic information in reproduction.