Chromatin structure of the histone genes of D. melanogaster.
We have examined the chromatin structure of the histone gene repeat of D. melanogaster using an indirect end-labeling technique. Our results show that each DNA segment of the repeat is packaged into a precisely defined and characteristic structure, as follows: the nontranscribed spacers display a "normal" chromatin arrangement, with each nucleosome precisely positioned on the underlying DNA sequence; the 5' ends of all five histone genes are in an exposed configuration, highly sensitive to both micrococcal nuclease and DNAase I; and the genes have an "altered" chromatin structure, as indicated by the weak and irregularly spaced nuclease cuts. This well-defined chromatin arrangement is established early in development and is stably maintained throughout the remainder of the D. melanogaster life cycle.
D000818:Animals; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002621:Chemistry; D002843:Chromatin / Q000032:analysis*; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D015245:Deoxyribonuclease BamHI; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000032:analysis; D004720:Endonucleases; D005796:Genes; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics*; D008836:Micrococcal Nuclease; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000032:analysis; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002843:Chromatin; D006657:Histones; D009707:Nucleosomes; D003851:Deoxyribonucleases; D004720:Endonucleases; D004262:DNA Restriction Enzymes; D015245:Deoxyribonuclease BamHI; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I; C024404:BglII endonuclease; D015252:Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific; D008836:Micrococcal Nuclease