Isolation and characterization of DNA from unicellular algae

D. Charles

Research outputpeer-review

Abstract

DNAs from unicellular algae belonging to several families (Chlorophyceae, Chrysophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae and Rhodophyceae) were isolated and characterized. Optimal conditions for cell lysis were investigated and a rapid procedure for the purification of DNA was developed, based on molecular sieving on anarose. DNAs were analysed by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation. Buoyant densities of nuclear and eventual satellite DNA were respectively: Anacystis nidulans, 1.714 g/cm3; Euglena gracilis, 1.708 and 1.684 g/cm3; Ochromonas danica, 1.704 and 1.690 g/cm3; Polyedriella helvetica, 1.712 and 1.703 g/cm3; Porphyridium cruentum, 1.716 and 1.694 g/cm3; Scenedesmus obliquus, 1.712 g/cm3. Labelling patterns of DNA by three different tritiated precursors were also studied: the highest specific radioactivities were obtained with [6-3H]-thymidine for Ochromonas, with [2-3H]adenine for Porphyridium, Scenedesmus and Euglena, with [6-3]uracil for Anacystis and Polyendiella. Estimated DNA contents per cell were: Anacystis, 0.026·10· μg 2.1·10-6 μg, Ochromona, 0.20·10-6 μg; Polyedriella, 0.2·10-6 μg; Porphyridium, 0.10·10-6 μg, Scenedesmus, 0.40·10-6 μg.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-44
Number of pages10
JournalPlant Science Letters
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1977
Externally publishedYes

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