title: Analysis of DNA denaturation.
abstract: This unit provides a detailed method for evaluating in situ DNA denaturation by flow cytometry. The principal technique is based upon the metachromatic properties of acridine orange. This technique has a number of advantages over traditional biochemical methods, but requires very precise methodology; the result is excellent clarity and differentiation between single-stranded and double-stranded DNA. This unit provides full details on the correct use of acridine orange together with an excellent discussion of the pitfalls and problems.
authors.affiliation: New York Medical College, Elmsford, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Darzynkiewicz
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Juan
mesh_terms: D000165:Acridine Orange / Q000032:analysis; D017209:Apoptosis; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis*; D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded / Q000032:analysis; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009691:Nucleic Acid Denaturation; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded; D004247:DNA; D000165:Acridine Orange