Rare internal C4A4 repeats in the micronuclear genome of Oxytricha fallax

1984 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 2661-2667
Author(s):  
D Dawson ◽  
G Herrick
Keyword(s):  
Base Pair ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Dna Molecules ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Macronuclear Development ◽  
Structural Relationships

Approximately 20,000 different short, linear, macronuclear DNA molecules are derived from micronuclear sequences of Oxytricha fallax after conjugation. These macronuclear DNAs are terminated at both ends by 20 base pairs of the sequence 5'-dC4A4-3'. Sequences homologous to this repeat (C4A4+) are also abundant in the micronuclear chromosomes, but most reside at their telomeres. Here we show that nontelomeric C4A4 clusters of 20 base pairs or longer exist in only a few hundred copies per micronuclear genome. This demonstrates that nearly none of the 20,000 sequence blocks of micronuclear DNA destined to be macronuclear DNA molecules can be flanked by full-length (20-base pair) C4A4 clusters, and therefore C4A4 repeats must be added to most, if not all, macronuclear telomeres during macronuclear development. Six internal micronuclear C4A4+ loci were cloned, and their structural relationships with macronuclear and micronuclear sequences were examined. The possible origins and functions of these rare, micronuclear internal C4A4 loci are discussed.

scholarly journals Rare internal C4A4 repeats in the micronuclear genome of Oxytricha fallax.

1984 ◽  
Vol 4 (12) ◽  
pp. 2661-2667 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Dawson ◽  
G Herrick
Keyword(s):  
Base Pair ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Dna Molecules ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Macronuclear Development ◽  
Structural Relationships

Approximately 20,000 different short, linear, macronuclear DNA molecules are derived from micronuclear sequences of Oxytricha fallax after conjugation. These macronuclear DNAs are terminated at both ends by 20 base pairs of the sequence 5'-dC4A4-3'. Sequences homologous to this repeat (C4A4+) are also abundant in the micronuclear chromosomes, but most reside at their telomeres. Here we show that nontelomeric C4A4 clusters of 20 base pairs or longer exist in only a few hundred copies per micronuclear genome. This demonstrates that nearly none of the 20,000 sequence blocks of micronuclear DNA destined to be macronuclear DNA molecules can be flanked by full-length (20-base pair) C4A4 clusters, and therefore C4A4 repeats must be added to most, if not all, macronuclear telomeres during macronuclear development. Six internal micronuclear C4A4+ loci were cloned, and their structural relationships with macronuclear and micronuclear sequences were examined. The possible origins and functions of these rare, micronuclear internal C4A4 loci are discussed.

DNA Base Identification by Electron Microscopy

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 1049-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Bell ◽  
W. Kelley Thomas ◽  
Katelyn M. Murtagh ◽  
Cheryl A. Dionne ◽  
Adam C. Graham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Base Pair ◽  
Heavy Atom ◽  
Genomic Research ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Template Molecule ◽  
Dna Molecules ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Dna Molecule ◽  
Dna Base

AbstractAdvances in DNA sequencing, based on fluorescent microscopy, have transformed many areas of biological research. However, only relatively short molecules can be sequenced by these technologies. Dramatic improvements in genomic research will require accurate sequencing of long (>10,000 base-pairs), intact DNA molecules. Our approach directly visualizes the sequence of DNA molecules using electron microscopy. This report represents the first identification of DNA base pairs within intact DNA molecules by electron microscopy. By enzymatically incorporating modified bases, which contain atoms of increased atomic number, direct visualization and identification of individually labeled bases within a synthetic 3,272 base-pair DNA molecule and a 7,249 base-pair viral genome have been accomplished. This proof of principle is made possible by the use of a dUTP nucleotide, substituted with a single mercury atom attached to the nitrogenous base. One of these contrast-enhanced, heavy-atom-labeled bases is paired with each adenosine base in the template molecule and then built into a double-stranded DNA molecule by a template-directed DNA polymerase enzyme. This modification is small enough to allow very long molecules with labels at each A-U position. Image contrast is further enhanced by using annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (ADF-STEM). Further refinements to identify additional base types and more precisely determine the location of identified bases would allow full sequencing of long, intact DNA molecules, significantly improving the pace of complex genomic discoveries.

scholarly journals Synchronized Oscillations in Double-Helix B-DNA Molecules with Mirror-Symmetric Codons

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
Enrique Maciá
Keyword(s):  
Base Pair ◽  
Double Helix ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Dna Molecules ◽  
Analytical Treatment ◽  
Dynamical Equations ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Double Stranded Dna ◽  
Collective Oscillations ◽  
Triplet Codon

A fully analytical treatment of the base-pair and codon dynamics in double-stranded DNA molecules is introduced, by means of a realistic treatment that considers different mass values for G, A, T, and C nucleotides and takes into account the intrinsic three-dimensional, helicoidal geometry of DNA in terms of a Hamitonian in cylindrical coordinates. Within the framework of the Peyrard–Dauxois–Bishop model, we consider the coupling between stretching and stacking radial oscillations as well as the twisting motion of each base pair around the helix axis. By comparing the linearized dynamical equations for the angular and radial variables corresponding to the bp local scale with those of the longer triplet codon scale, we report an underlying hierarchical symmetry. The existence of synchronized collective oscillations of the base-pairs and their related codon triplet units are disclosed from the study of their coupled dynamical equations. The possible biological role of these correlated, long-range oscillation effects in double standed DNA molecules containing mirror-symmetric codons of the form XXX, XX’X, X’XX’, YXY, and XYX is discussed in terms of the dynamical equations solutions and their related dispersion relations.

scholarly journals Large scale synchronous mating and the study of macronuclear development in Euplotes crassus.

1985 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Roth ◽  
M Lin ◽  
D M Prescott
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Average Molecular Weight ◽  
Polytene Chromosomes ◽  
Dna Molecules ◽  
Chromosomal Dna ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Macronuclear Development ◽  
Euplotes Crassus ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Small Size Group

After conjugation in hypotrichous ciliates, a new macronucleus is produced from a copy of the micronucleus. This transformation involves large-scale reorganization of DNA, with conversion of the chromosomal micronuclear genome into short, gene-sized DNA molecules in the macronucleus. To study directly the changes that occur during this process, we have developed techniques for synchronous mating of large populations of the hypotrichous ciliate Euplotes crassus. Electron microscope studies show that the micronuclear chromosomes are polytenized during the first 20 h of macronuclear development. The polytene chromosomes lack the band-interband organization observed in other hypotrichs and in the Diptera. Polytenization is followed by transectioning of the chromosomes. We isolated DNA at various times of macronuclear development and found that the average molecular weight of the DNA decreases at the time of chromosome transectioning. In addition, we have shown that a small size group of macronuclear DNA molecules (450-550 base pairs) is excised from the chromosomal DNA approximately 10 h later in macronuclear development.

Detection of the Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia Mutations in Arab and Iraqi-Jewish Patients by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Analysis of Blood or Urine Samples

1991 ◽  
Vol 66 (04) ◽  
pp. 500-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Peretz ◽  
U Seligsohn ◽  
E Zwang ◽  
B S Coller ◽  
P J Newman
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Base Pair ◽  
Restriction Analysis ◽  
Urine Samples ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Glanzmann’S Thrombasthenia ◽  
Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia ◽  
Base Pair Deletion ◽  
Polymerase Chain

SummarySevere Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is relatively frequent in Iraqi-Jews and Arabs residing in Israel. We have recently described the mutations responsible for the disease in Iraqi-Jews – an 11 base pair deletion in exon 12 of the glycoprotein IIIa gene, and in Arabs – a 13 base pair deletion at the AG acceptor splice site of exon 4 on the glycoprotein IIb gene. In this communication we show that the Iraqi-Jewish mutation can be identified directly by polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis. With specially designed oligonucleotide primers encompassing the mutation site, an 80 base pair segment amplified in healthy controls was clearly distinguished from the 69 base pair segment produced in patients. Patients from 11 unrelated Iraqi-Jewish families had the same mutation. The Arab mutation was identified by first amplifying a DNA segment consisting of 312 base pairs in controls and of 299 base pairs in patients, and then digestion by a restriction enzyme Stu-1, which recognizes a site that is absent in the mutant gene. In controls the 312 bp segment was digested into 235 and 77 bp fragments, while in patients there was no change in the size of the amplified 299 bp segment. The mutation was found in patients from 3 out of 5 unrelated Arab families. Both Iraqi-Jewish and Arab mutations were detectable in DNA extracted from blood and urine samples. The described simple methods of identifying the mutations should be useful for detection of the numerous potential carriers among the affected kindreds and for prenatal diagnosis using DNA extracted from chorionic villi samples.

scholarly journals GENETIC HETEROZYGOSITY IN UNREPLICATED BACTERIOPHAGE Λ RECOMBINANTS

Genetics ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-50
Author(s):  
Raymond L White ◽  
Maurice S Fox
Keyword(s):  
Dna Synthesis ◽  
Base Pair ◽  
Recombinant Dna ◽  
Dna Molecules ◽  
Bacteriophage Λ ◽  
Negative Interference ◽  
Genetic Interval ◽  
Parental Material ◽  
Genetic Heterozygosity ◽  
Genetic Contributions

ABSTRACT Bacteriophage crosses using density-labeled parents have been carried out under conditions restricting DNA synthesis. The parental material and genetic contributions to progeny manifesting recombination within a genetic interval sufficiently short to exhibit high negative interference have been examined. The unreplicated products of recombination isolated as phage particles appear to contain long continuous heteroduplex regions which are heterozygous for the closely linked markers. Recombination between closely linked markers seems to be the consequence of the removal of base-pair mismatches that are present within the heteroduplex regions. This localized reduction of heterozygosity within the heteroduplex regions that join the parental components of recombinant DNA molecules can account for high negative interference.

Repair of heteroduplex plasmid DNA after transformation into Saccharomyces cerevisiae

1986 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. 3401-3409
Author(s):  
D K Bishop ◽  
R D Kolodner
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Plasmid Dna ◽  
Base Pair ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Plasmid Dnas ◽  
Repair Efficiency ◽  
Single Insertion ◽  
Base Pair Insertion

Purified heteroduplex plasmid DNAs containing 8- or 12-base-pair insertion mismatches or AC or CT substitution mismatches were used to transform Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two insertion mismatches, separated by 943 base pairs, were repaired independently of each other at least 55% of the time. This suggested that repair tracts were frequently shorter than 1 kilobase. The two insertion mismatches were repaired with different efficiencies. Comparison of the repair efficiency of one mismatched site with or without an adjacent mismatch suggests that mismatches promote their own repair and can influence the repair of neighboring mismatches. When two different plasmids containing single-insertion mismatches were transformed into S. cerevisiae cells, a slight preference towards insertion was detected among repair products of one of the two plasmids, while no repair preference was detected among transformants with the second plasmid.

How damaged is the biologically active subpopulation of transfected DNA?

1984 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 387-398
Author(s):  
C T Wake ◽  
T Gudewicz ◽  
T Porter ◽  
A White ◽  
J H Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Simian Virus 40 ◽  
Simian Virus ◽  
Double Strand Breaks ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Exact Nature ◽  
Dna Molecules ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Strand Breaks ◽  
Dna Ends ◽  
Prevalent Form

Relatively little is known about the damage suffered by transfected DNA molecules during their journey from outside the cell into the nucleus. To follow selectively the minor subpopulation that completes this journey, we devised a genetic approach using simian virus 40 DNA transfected with DEAE-dextran. We investigated this active subpopulation in three ways: (i) by assaying reciprocal pairs of mutant linear dimers which differed only in the arrangement of two mutant genomes; (ii) by assaying a series of wild-type oligomers which ranged from 1.1 to 2.0 simian virus 40 genomes in length; and (iii) by assaying linear monomers of simian virus 40 which were cleaved within a nonessential region to leave either sticky, blunt, or mismatched ends. We conclude from these studies that transfected DNA molecules in the active subpopulation are moderately damaged by fragmentation and modification of ends. As a whole, the active subpopulation suffers about one break per 5 to 15 kilobases, and about 15 to 20% of the molecules have one or both ends modified. Our analysis of fragmentation is consistent with the random introduction of double-strand breaks, whose cause and exact nature are unknown. Our analysis of end modification indicated that the most prevalent form of damage involved deletion or addition of less than 25 base pairs. In addition we demonstrated directly that the efficiencies of joining sticky, blunt, or mismatched ends are identical, verifying the apparent ability of cells to join nearly any two DNA ends and suggesting that the efficiency of joining approaches 100%. The design of these experiments ensured that the detected damage preceded viral replication and thus should be common to all DNAs transfected with DEAE-dextran and not specific for viral DNA. These measurements of damage within transfected DNA have important consequences for studies of homologous and nonhomologous recombination in somatic cells as is discussed.

scholarly journals Spo0A-Dependent Activation of an Extended −10 Region Promoter in Bacillus subtilis

2006 ◽  
Vol 188 (4) ◽  
pp. 1411-1418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangnan Chen ◽  
Amrita Kumar ◽  
Travis H. Wyman ◽  
Charles P. Moran
Keyword(s):  
Bacillus Subtilis ◽  
Base Pair ◽  
Promoter Activity ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Dna Binding Protein ◽  
Base Pairs ◽  
Dnase I Footprinting ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
High Level ◽  
Activity Dependent

ABSTRACT At the onset of endospore formation in Bacillus subtilis the DNA-binding protein Spo0A directly activates transcription from promoters of about 40 genes. One of these promoters, Pskf, controls expression of an operon encoding a killing factor that acts on sibling cells. AbrB-mediated repression of Pskf provides one level of security ensuring that this promoter is not activated prematurely. However, Spo0A also appears to activate the promoter directly, since Spo0A is required for Pskf activity in a ΔabrB strain. Here we investigate the mechanism of Pskf activation. DNase I footprinting was used to determine the locations at which Spo0A bound to the promoter, and mutations in these sites were found to significantly reduce promoter activity. The sequence near the −10 region of the promoter was found to be similar to those of extended −10 region promoters, which contain a TRTGn motif. Mutational analysis showed that this extended −10 region, as well as other base pairs in the −10 region, is required for Spo0A-dependent activation of the promoter. We found that a substitution of the consensus base pair for the nonconsensus base pair at position −9 of Pskf produced a promoter that was active constitutively in both ΔabrB and Δspo0A ΔabrB strains. Therefore, the base pair at position −9 of Pskf makes its activity dependent on Spo0A binding, and the extended −10 region motif of the promoter contributes to its high level of activity.

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