[Changes in the lipid makeup of isolated metaphase chromosomes with their proteins and DNA removed]

Metaphase chromosomes of HeLa cells were isolated by a modified method of Wray and Stubblefield. The isolated chromosomes were treated with 0.2 N HCl-Triton X-100 and DNAse I. Most of the polar lipids are removed from the chromosomes together with acid soluble proteins, whereas neutral lipids, except cholesterol esters, are removed with DNA. The mode of interaction between chromosome lipids, DNA and proteins is discussed.