A late replicating DNA protein complex from cells in meiotic prophase

• Published in: Experimental cell research Vol. 69; no. 1; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Hecht, N.B., Stern, H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.01.1971
• Subjects: Bacillus subtilis; Carbon Isotopes; Cell Fractionation; Cell Nucleus - analysis; Cell Nucleus - metabolism; Centrifugation, Density Gradient; Chromosomes; DNA - analysis; DNA - biosynthesis; DNA - isolation & purification; DNA Nucleotidyltransferases - analysis; DNA Replication; DNA, Bacterial - analysis; Edetic Acid; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Leucine - metabolism; Lilium; Macromolecular Substances - analysis; Meiosis; Methods; Phosphates - metabolism; Phospholipids - analysis; Phosphorus Isotopes; Plants; Protein Biosynthesis; Proteins - analysis; Spores; Thymidine; Time Factors; Tritium
• ISSN: 0014-4827; 1090-2422
• DOI: 10.1016/0014-4827(71)90302-8

DNA protein complexes were isolated from meiotic cells during the several intervals of DNA synthesis by extracting isolated nuclei with 0.1 M phosphate, pH 8. Macromolecular complexes with distinctive buoyant densities were detected at each of these intervals. The complex extracted from cells in zygonema, the stage of chromosome pairing, was stable in solutions of high ionic strength but was dissociated by sodium dodecyl sulfate. Its presence, as inferred from its extractability, was transient and appeared to be associated with newly replicated DNA. It contained phospholipid and was capable of synthesizing DNA from triphosphate precursors. The possible role of this DNA replicating complex in chromosome pairing is discussed.