title: Formation and detection of RNA-DNA hybrid molecules in cytological preparations.
abstract: A technique is described for forming molecular hybrids between RNA in solution and the DNA of intact cytological preparations. Cells in a conventional tissue squash are immobilized under a thin layer of agar. Next they are treated with alkali to denature the DNA and then incubated with tritium-labeled RNA. The hybrids are detected by autoradiography. The technique is illustrated by the hybridization of ribosomal RNA to the amplified ribosomal genes in oocytes of the toad Xenopus. A low level of gene amplification was also detected in premeiotic nuclei (oogonia).
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001001:Anura; D001345:Autoradiography; D002467:Cell Nucleus; D004247:DNA; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006652:Histological Techniques; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D010063:Ovum; D012313:RNA; D014316:Tritium
chemical_list: D014316:Tritium; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA