The size of DNA molecules and chromatin organization in the macronucleus of the ciliate Didinium nasutum (Ciliophora)

Abstract

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was applied to analyze the molecular karyotype of the ciliate Didinium nasutum. The data obtained indicate that D. nasutum belongs to the ciliate species with subchromosomal macronuclear genome organization. No short "gene-sized" DNA molecules were detected. Macronuclear DNAs formed a continuous spectrum from 50 kbp to approximately 1,000 kbp in size with a peak plateau between 250 and 400 kbp. The macronuclear DNA molecules were packed into chromatin bodies of 80-265 nm in size. Comparison of the PFGE and electron microscopic data shows that most if not all chromatin bodies contain more than one DNA molecule.

Keywords: chromatin bodies; electron microscopy; macronuclear DNA; pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.