Identification of human chromosomes by DNA-binding fluorescent agents (original) (raw)

Abstract

The distribution of DNA along metaphase chromosomes that are not excessively contracted can be visualized in the fluorescence microscope with the aid of fluorescent DNA-binding agents. Additional, characteristic details in the fluorescence patterns are obtained with fluorochromes that bind preferentially to certain chromosomal regions. The highly fluorescent alkylating agent quinacrine mustard (QM) effects discrete, fluorescent labeling of both plant and mammalian metaphase chromosomes, presumably by selective binding to guanine residues in DNA, and is also capable of intercalation in the DNA double helix. Chromosome regions fluorescing particularly strongly with QM have been demonstrated in human metaphase chromosomes 3, 13–15 and Y.

A convenient measuring technique has been developed for the rapid and accurate recording of fluorescence patterns in human metaphase chromosomes. These photoelectric recordings of the fluorescence patterns contain far greater detail than can be seen by the human eye.

The fluorescence patterns described are based on measurements of about 1,000 human metaphase chromosomes. This new technique of determining fluorescence patterns in human chromosomes should be particularly valuable for the identification of chromosomes 4–5 and the individual types in the 6–12 group. Individual, typical patterns also occur within the groups 13–15, 17–18, and 21–22.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

• Get 10 units per month
• Download Article/Chapter or eBook
• 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
• Cancel anytime Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

• Carlson, L., Caspersson, T., Foley, G. E., Kudynowski, J., Lomakka, G., Simonsson, E., Sörén, L.: The application of quantitative cytochemical techniques to the study of individual mammalian chromosomes. Exp. Cell Res. 31, 589–594 (1963).
  Google Scholar
• Caspersson, T., et al.: (under publ.)
• —, Farber, S., Foley, G. E., Kudynowski, J., Modest, E. J., Simonsson, E., Wagh, U., Zech, L.: Chemical differentiation along metaphase chromosomes. Exp. Cell Res. 49, 219–222 (1968).
  Google Scholar
• -Kjessler, B., Zech L. (under publ.)
• —, Zech, L., Johansson, C.: Differential binding of alkylating fluorochromes in human chromosomes. Exp. Cell Res. 60, 315–319 (1970).
  Google Scholar
• —, Zech, L., Modest, E. J., Foley, G. E., Wagh, U., Simonsson, E.: Chemical differentiation with fluorescent alkylating agents in Vicia faba metaphase chromosomes. Exp. Cell Res. 58, 128–140 (1969a).
  Google Scholar
• —, Zech, L., Modest, E. J., Foley, G. E., Wagh, U., Simonsson, E.: DNA-binding fluorochromes for the study of the organization of the metaphase nucleus. Exp. Cell Res. 58, 141–152 (1969b).
  Google Scholar
• Heneen, W., Caspersson, T., et al. (under publ.).
• Moorhead, P. S., Nowell, P. C., Mellman, W. J., Battips, D. M., Hungerford, D. A.: Chromosome preparations of leukocytes cultured from human peripheral blood. Exp. Cell Res. 20, 613–616 (1960).
  Google Scholar
• Schultz, J., St. Lawrence, P.: A cytological basis for a map of the nucleolar chromosome in man. J. Hered. 40, 31–38 (1949).
  Google Scholar
• Yerganian, G.: Cytologic maps of some isolated human pachytene chromosomes. Amer. J. hum. Gen. 9, 42–54 (1957).
  Google Scholar

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. Institute for Medical Cell Research and Genetics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
   T. Caspersson, L. Zech, C. Johansson & E. J. Modest
2. The Children's Cancer Research Foundation, and the Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
   T. Caspersson, L. Zech, C. Johansson & E. J. Modest

Authors

1. L. Zech
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
2. C. Johansson
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
3. E. J. Modest
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Caspersson, T., Zech, L., Johansson, C. et al. Identification of human chromosomes by DNA-binding fluorescent agents.Chromosoma 30, 215–227 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00282002

Download citation

• Received: 21 February 1970
• Accepted: 21 February 1970
• Issue Date: June 1970
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00282002

Keywords