Related Experiment Videos
The characterisation of a 5-S 'monosome' fraction from chromatin of Physarum polycephalum
Abstract:
A so-called '5-S mononucleosome' fraction was isolated from nuclei of Physarum polycephalum by digestion with micrococcal nuclease and subsequent fractionation by gel filtration. This fraction had electrophoretic and sedimentation properties which were similar to DNA of approximately 140 base pairs in length. It is shown that lysis of the nuclei activates a protease which is resistant to phenyl-methyl sulphonyl fluoride, o-phenanthroline and parachloromercuri benzene sulphonate and which subsequently degrades the nucleosomes.
Insights
Physarum polycephalum nuclei contain a 5-S mononucleosome fraction. Nuclear lysis activates a protease that degrades these nucleosomes, impacting DNA structure research.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nucleosomes are fundamental units of DNA packaging in eukaryotes.
- Physarum polycephalum is a model organism for studying nuclear processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the 5-S mononucleosome fraction from Physarum polycephalum.
- To investigate the stability and potential degradation of these nucleosomes.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of 5-S mononucleosomes using micrococcal nuclease digestion.
- Fractionation of nucleosomes via gel filtration chromatography.
- Analysis of DNA length using electrophoretic and sedimentation properties.
Main Results:
- A distinct 5-S mononucleosome fraction was successfully isolated.
- This fraction contained DNA approximately 140 base pairs in length.
- Nuclear lysis triggered a protease resistant to specific inhibitors, which degraded nucleosomes.
Conclusions:
- Physarum polycephalum nuclei possess a specific mononucleosome fraction.
- A nuclear lysis-induced protease contributes to nucleosome degradation.
- Understanding this protease is crucial for studying DNA integrity and chromatin structure.