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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Visualizing RNA Localization in Xenopus Oocytes
Published on: January 14, 2010
Visualization of ribosomal gene activity: silver stains proteins associated with rRNA transcribed from oocyte
Abstract:
Cricket oocyte chromosomes were stained with silver at pachytene when certain chromosome regions are active in rDNA amplification and rRNA transcription. The silver preferentially stained the known locations of 18S + 28S ribosomal cistrons. Cytochemical tests revealed that the silver binds neither to the rDNA nor transcribed rRNA, but rather to proteins which rapidly associate with the freshly-transcribed rRNA. As rRNA transcription proceeds, the quantity of silver stainable proteins progressively increases. The silver procedure can be used to visualize gene activity at the rDNA sites with conventional light microscopy.
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