Repetitive DNA in Polytene Chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster
This extract was created in the absence of an abstract.
Excerpt
The functions of most repetitive sequences in eukaryotic DNA remain an open question. Although a few cellular functions are known to involve RNA transcribed from multiple copies of DNA, they comprise a very small fraction of the total genomic redundant load. The currently popular hypothesis that the majority of such sequences are involved in controlling mechanisms would predict that they form a part of every genetic functional unit. We have investigated their occurrence in small groups of such “cytogenetic units” in the polytene chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster, where measurements of DNA content and other parameters are also available. As a result, we can place some restrictions on the possible ways in which redundant DNA is related to the functional units.
Methods
Cytology. In situ hybridization was carried out on salivary gland chromosomes from a wildtype Oregon R stock inbred in our laboratory for over 20 years. Glands were dissected from...
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↵* Temporary address: Department of Genetics, University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
