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A potential DNA replication complex isolated from sea urchin embryos by renografin gradient centrifugation
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|October 17, 1980
Summary
Scientists isolated a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-protein-lipid complex from sea urchin nuclei. This complex resembles DNA-membrane structures, containing most cellular DNA and nascent DNA, which is released upon sonication or nuclease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nuclear components, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), are organized within cells.
- DNA-membrane complexes are implicated in DNA replication and organization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a nuclear complex containing DNA, protein, and lipid from sea urchin nuclei.
- To compare the isolated complex with previously described DNA-membrane complexes.
Main Methods:
- Gentle lysis of sea urchin nuclei.
- Centrifugation of the nuclear lysate in a renografin gradient.
- Sonication and nuclease treatment to analyze DNA release.
Main Results:
- A deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-protein-lipid complex was successfully isolated from sea urchin nuclei.
- The complex contained the majority of cellular DNA, with nascent DNA preferentially associated.
- DNA could be released from the complex by sonication or nuclease treatment, indicating its association with other components.
Conclusions:
- The isolated complex shares characteristics with DNA-membrane complexes identified by other methods.
- Nuclear DNA organization involves interactions with protein and lipid components, potentially within a membrane-associated structure.