Chromosomes

The structural element of eukaryotic chromosomes is the chromatin fibre consisting of histones and DNA. The chromatin fibre is about 100--200 A thick. One chromatid is built up from one chromatin fibre running through from one end to the other and laid in numerous irregular foldings. The chromatin fibre is a chain of nucleosomes. These are globular histone bodies around which the DNA winds. Nucleosomes can be observed in isolated chromatin fibrils as well as in thin sections of chromosomes after different modes of fixation. Prophasic chromosomes or early premature condensed chromosomes are thin uncoiled threads. With chromosome condensation a major coiling is seen. No constant regular arrangement of the chromatin fibril besides the major coils is observed. A rather diffuse decondensation takes place in ana- and telophase.

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Changes in chromosomal ultrastructure during the cell cycle

Martin

Busch

Herrmann

et al. 1996

Chromosome Res

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The surface structure of mitotic barley and rye chromosomes was studied by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Chromosomes with various degrees of chromatin condensation were prepared from untreated meristematic tissue of root tips. At lower magnifications the highly condensed chromosomes in metaphase and anaphase showed a compact structure with a smooth surface. The condensation starts from the centromeric region and the chromatids are often discernible in the still uncondensed telomeric region. Decondensation begins at the telomeric region during telophase. Parallel arrangement of fibres is a characteristic feature predominately seen in prophase and telophase chromosomes. Chromatin structures that resemble tiles on a roof or braided strands were often observed. Prophase and telophase chromosomes are particularly suitable for further studies of chromatin arrangement and organization in plant chromosomes.

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Chromosomes

Cited by 5 publications

References 204 publications

The absence of the somatic association of centromeres of homologous chromosomes in grass mitotic metaphases

The absence of the somatic association of centromeres of homologous chromosomes in grass mitotic metaphases

Neue Befunde zur Struktur der Chromosomen

Changes in chromosomal ultrastructure during the cell cycle

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