ISSN:
1040-452X
Keywords:
Spermiogenesis
;
Nuclear condensation
;
Chromatin
;
Protamines
;
Protein-precursors
;
Neogastropod mollusc
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
During the process of chromatin cndensation in the spermiogenesis of the neogastropod mollusc Murex brandaris, the nuclear protein complement undergoes a complex series of changes. These changes lead to the appearance of three small protamines in the ripe sperm nuclei. We have characterized this system electrophoretically and at the compositions with antibodies elicited against a specific spermatozoan protamine. Our results indicate that the complex pattern of chromatin condensation during spermiogenesis in this species (M. brandaris) may be modulated by a series of post-translational (and intranuclear) modifications of DNA-interacting proteins, such as precursors to the sperm protamines. The amino acid composition of each sperm protamine is remarkably simple (lys + arg + gly ≥96 mol%). This system of spermiogenic/spermatozoal proteins in the neogastropod M. brandaris clearly differs from that in patellogastropods and archaeogastropods, and it may be helpful in understanding evolutionary changes in the chromatin condensation pattern during the spermiogenesis of gastropod molluscs. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
5 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mrd.1080380412
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