Measurement of Arabidopsis thaliana Nuclear Size and Shape

Gene expression is tightly linked to the position of genes in the nucleus. Genomic regions associated with the nuclear envelope are usually repressed, including the heterochromatin carrying chromocenters. The shape and size of nuclei varies within tissues in plants and is dependent on proteins associated with the nuclear envelope. Here, we describe a protocol to isolate Arabidopsis thaliana nuclei and measure their size and morphology. Using this method, novel components regulating the nuclear envelope and chromatin association can be identified and analyzed.