Hybridocytochemistry as a tool for the investigation of chromatin organization

The study of nuclear components in cells and tissues has resulted in a wealth of information with regard to the role of chromatin in cellular processes. Here, a survey is given of procedures which allow the cytochemical investigation of nucleic acid present in microscopic preparations of cells, nuclei or metaphase chromosomes. Special attention is given to recent developments in hybridocytochemistry (in situ hybridization) which facilitate microscopic identification and localization of specific nucleotide sequences within the total amount of nucleic acids present. Some of the potentialities and limitations of these in situ hybridization methods are discussed.