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[Structural changes in cell nuclei in the physiologic pH range].
Biofizika
|July 1, 1978
Summary
Rat liver cell nuclei exhibit pH-dependent structural changes, affecting protein fluorescence and polarization. These reversible alterations in the nuclear envelope and chromatin suggest a functional role in cellular processes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Context:
- Investigating the biophysical properties of rat liver cell nuclei.
- Understanding the impact of pH on nuclear structure and function.
- Exploring the fluorescence characteristics of nuclear proteins.
Purpose:
- To investigate the fluorescence of rat liver cell nuclei suspensions across a neutral pH range.
- To determine the effect of pH changes on nuclear protein fluorescence and fluorescence polarization.
- To assess the buffering capacity and surface properties of nuclei in response to varying proton concentrations.
Summary:
- Decreasing pH from 7 to 5 quenches nuclear protein fluorescence and increases polarization, indicating structural changes.
- The fluorescent probe 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate revealed alterations in nuclear surface properties with increasing proton concentration.
- Circular dichroism spectra confirmed pH-dependent structural modifications in nuclei, affecting both the envelope and chromatin reversibly within the physiological pH range.
Impact:
- Suggests that pH-induced structural changes in nuclei, particularly involving histidine residues, are reversible and have a significant functional role.
- Highlights the importance of pH regulation for maintaining nuclear integrity and function.
- Provides insights into the dynamic nature of nuclear structure in response to physiological conditions.