Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Chromosome condensation and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence in meiotic chromosomes of the grasshopper Spathosternum prasiniferum (Walker)

  • Published:
Chromosoma Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Patterns of Hoechst 33258 fluorescence have been studied in grasshopper chromosomes. At metaphase of mitotic as well as meiotic divisions — when chromosomes were maximally compact — all the chromosomes fluoresced brightly but no differentially fluorescing regions were detected. However, when all the chromosomes, except the X, were highly extended at pachytene and diplotene stages a distinct differential fluorescence was observed: only the centromeres of the autosomal bivalents fluoresced brightly whereas the entire X univalent showed bright fluorescence. Restriction of differentially bright fluorescence to the more condensed regions of chromosomes suggests a modulatory role for chromosome condensation in the production of Hoechst fluorescence. This suggestion was further strengthened by the substantial quenching of fluorescence caused by removal of chromosomal proteins following treatment with H2SO4. Similarly, post-C-band-treatment staining with Hoechst also led to quenching, though now the centromeres of the chromosomes, including the X, retained their differential fluorescence. It is proposed, therefore, that in grasshopper chromosomes, H-fluorescence is modulated by chromosome condensation brought about by differential ratios of DNA/protein at different chromosome regions and at different division stages.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Comings, D.E.: The structure and function of chromatin. In: Advances in human genetics, vol. 3 (H. Harris and K. Hirschhorn, eds.), p. 237–431. New York: Plenum Press 1972

    Google Scholar 

  • Comings, D.E.: Mechanism of chromosome banding. VIII. Hoechst 33258 DNA interaction. Chromosoma (Berl.) 52, 229–243 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gatti, M., Pimpinelli, S., Santini, G.: Characterisation of Drosophila heterochromatin. I. Staining and decondensation with Hoechst 33258 and quinacrine. Chromosoma (Berl.) 57, 351–375 (1976)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gropp, A., Hilwig, I., Seth, P.K.: Fluorescence chromosome banding patterns produced by a benzimidazole derivative. In: Chromosome identification — technique and applications in biology and medicine. Proc. 23rd Nobel Symposium 1972, p. 300–306. New York: Academic Press 1973

    Google Scholar 

  • Hilwig, I., Gropp, A.: Staining of constitutive heterochromatin in mammalian chromosomes with a new fluorochrome. Exp. Cell Res. 75, 122–126 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hilwig, I, Gropp. A.: Decondensation of constitutive heterochromatin in L-cell chromosomes by a bibenzimidazole compound (“33258 Hoechst”). Exp. Cell Res. 81, 474–477 (1973)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmquist, G.: Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining of Drosophila chromosomes. Chromosoma (Berl.) 49, 333–356 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Latt, S.A., Wohlleb, J.C.: Optical studies of interaction of 33258 Hoechst with DNA, chromatin, and metaphase chromosomes. Chromosoma (Berl.) 52, 297–316 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Pimpinelli, S., Gatti, M., De Marco, A.: Evidence for heterogeneity in heterochromatin of Drosophila melanogaster. Nature (Lond.) 256, 335–337 (1975)

    Google Scholar 

  • Raposa, T., Natarajan, A.T.: Fluorescence banding pattern of human and mouse chromosomes with a benzimidazole derivative (Hoechst 33258). Humangenetik 21, 221–226 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma, T., Gadi, I.K.: Constitutive heterochromatin variation in two species of Rattus with apparently similar karyotypes. Genetica (Den Haag) 47, 77–80 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sumner, A.T.: A simple technique for demonstrating centromeric heterochromatin. Exp. Cell Res. 75, 304–306 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  • Weisblum, B., Haenssler, E.: Fluorometric properties of the bibenzimidazole derivative Hoechst 33258, a fluorescent probe specific for AT concentration in chromosomal DNA. Chromosoma (Berl.) 46, 255–260 (1974)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler, L.L., Altenburg, L.C.: Hoechst 33258 banding of Drosophila nasutoides metaphase chromosomes. Chromosoma (Berl.) 62, 351–360 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, 221005, Varanasi, India

    B. C. Das & Rajiva Raman

  2. Centre for Life Sciences, North Bengal University, Darjeeling, India

    T. Sharma

Authors
  1. B. C. Das
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rajiva Raman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. T. Sharma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Das, B.C., Raman, R. & Sharma, T. Chromosome condensation and Hoechst 33258 fluorescence in meiotic chromosomes of the grasshopper Spathosternum prasiniferum (Walker). Chromosoma 70, 251–258 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288409

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288409

Keywords

Search

Navigation