Organization of chromosome fibrils in Euglena gracilis

Eukaryotic genome: model considerations

The paper presents a new model of chromosome structure based on the assumption that multiple circular subunits of DNA exist. The essential difference with previously described models is the circular DNA unit forms a central chromosome axis. Chromosome configurations during various phases of the cell cycle depend on the various conformations of this central integrating unit. The described model can be generalized for all haploid set of eukaryotic nucleus. Some aspects of the chromosome structure and their functions have been discussed.

Chromatin structure in the unicellular algae Olisthodiscus luteus, Crypthecodinium cohnii and Peridiniun balticum

Isolated nuclei of the unicellular alga Olisthodiscus luteus, the uninucleate dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii and the binucleate dinoflagellate Peridinium balticum were lysed and deposited on grids by the microcentrifugation technique. The ultrastructure of the released chromatin fibers was compared to that of mouse liver nuclei. Chromatin from nuclei of Olisthodiscus luteus and the "eukaryotic" nuclei of Peridinium balticum, appeared as linear arrays of regularly repeating subunits which were identical in size and morphology to mouse nucleosomes. In contrast, the chromatin fibers from Crypthecodinium cohnii nuclei appeared as smoothe threads with a diameter of about 6.5 nm. Nuclear preparations containing mixtures of "dinokaryotic" and "eukaryotic" nuclei of Peridinium balticum also contained smooth fibers which most likely originated from the dinokaryotic nuclei. These and other results demonstrating the presence of nucleosomes in lower eukaryotes suggest that the subunit structure of chromatin arose very early in the evolution of the eukaryotic cell.

Basic chromosomal proteins in lower eukaryotes: relevance to the evolution and function of histones

The occurence of the basic chromosomal proteins in lower eukaryotes provides a useful approach to the study of histone evolution and function in higher eukaryotes. The histones of higher plants and animals are very similar and some are nearly identical, suggesting a high degree of evolutionary conservation within this group of proteins. However, a literature survey reveals that in the lower eukaryotes the histone situation is quite variable. The ciliates, and the true and cellular slime molds possess basic chromosomal proteins that are very similar to the histones of higher plants and animals. Various other lower eukaryotes possess basic chromosomal proteins that resemble at least some of the major histone fractions, and some microorganisms possess basic chromosomal proteins that bear little or no relationship to higher plant and animal histones. Since histones play a major role in the control of gene expression and the maintenance of chromosome structure in higher organisms, the evolution of these proteins represents a major change in the packaging of DNA and the mode of regulating gene expression in eukaryotes.