Characterization of distinct segments in mouse satellite DNA by restriction nucleases

The long-range periodicity of mouse satellite DNA has been analyzed by digestion with five restriction nucleases. With all nucleases tested, a major repeat unit approximately 245 nucleotide pairs became apparent. Minor registers of shorter length were also detected. The total number of cleavage sites per haploid genome for each restriction enzyme as well as their positions relative to each other were determined. While endo R-EcoRII was known to cleave all of the satellite DNA, the other four restriction enzymes were found to generate only weak degradation patterns. The results taken together with quantitative analyses of codigestion experiments indicate that the recognition sequences for each of these four nucleases are clustered on separate parts of the satellite DNA. It is concluded that the satellite DNA, which appears homogeneous by digestion with endo R-EcRII, contains distinct segments each susceptible to degradation with one of the other nucleases. These results have certain implications for theories on the evolution of mouse satellite DNA. A simple mechanism of multiplication and divergence by mutation is not sufficient to explain the data. Additional and alternative processes which are relevant to the evolutionary considerations are discussed.