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Related Concept Videos

Non-nuclear Inheritance01:29

Non-nuclear Inheritance

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Most DNA resides in the nucleus of a cell. However, some organelles in the cell cytoplasm⁠—such as chloroplasts and mitochondria⁠—also have their own DNA. These organelles replicate their DNA independently of the nuclear DNA of the cell in which they reside. Non-nuclear inheritance describes the inheritance of genes from structures other than the nucleus.
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A functional eukaryotic chromosome must contain three elements: a centromere, telomeres, and numerous origins of replication.
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In 1882, Flemming observed lampbrush chromosomes (LBC) in salamander eggs. Later in 1892, Rückert observed LBCs in shark egg cells and coined the term "lampbrush chromosomes" because they looked like brushes used to clean kerosene lamps.
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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...
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Before a cell can divide, it must accurately replicate all of its chromosomes, including the DNA and its associated histone and non-histone proteins.  This process begins at numerous origins of replication during the S phase of the cell cycle in each of a cell’s chromosomes simultaneously. Certain nucleotides can act as origins of replication, but these sequences are not well defined - especially in complex, multi-cellular, eukaryotic species. The length of DNA that spans an origin...
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In 1866, Gregor Mendel published the results of his pea plant breeding experiments, providing evidence for predictable patterns in the inheritance of physical characteristics. The significance of his findings was not immediately recognized. In fact, the existence of genes was unknown at the time. Mendel referred to hereditary units as “factors.”
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In Vitro Nuclear Assembly Using Fractionated Xenopus Egg Extracts
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Reconstituting Nuclear and Chromosome Dynamics Using Xenopus Extracts.

Susannah Rankin1,2

  • 1Program in Cell Cycle and Cancer Biology, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104; susannah-rankin@omrf.org.

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|August 29, 2018
PubMed
Summary

Xenopus egg extracts are valuable tools for studying chromosome dynamics. These extracts offer unique advantages for detailed molecular analyses of DNA replication and chromosome segregation.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Frog egg extracts, especially from Xenopus species, have been instrumental in nuclear and chromosome dynamics research for decades.
  • Key advantages include stockpiled nuclear components, lack of endogenous DNA, and intact signaling networks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the preparation and application of Xenopus egg extracts.
  • To highlight their utility in studying chromosome and chromatin biology.

Main Methods:

  • Preparation of extracts from Xenopus eggs.
  • Utilizing these extracts for molecular analyses of chromosome functions.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated the effectiveness of Xenopus egg extracts for studying DNA replication.
  • Enabled detailed analysis of checkpoint signaling, epigenetic control, and chromosome dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • Xenopus egg extracts are a powerful and versatile system for investigating fundamental aspects of chromosome biology.
  • Their unique properties facilitate in-depth molecular studies of chromatin and nuclear processes.