Non-nucleolar transcription complexes of rat liver as revealed by spreading isolated nuclei

J Cell Sci. 1979 Dec:40:181-92. doi: 10.1242/jcs.40.1.181.

Abstract

Miller's technique was applied to isolated nuclei of rat liver. Both the usual nucleolar and non-nucleolar transcription complexes were visualized. In addition, an unusual type of putative non-ribosomal transcription unit was revealed. It was charcaterized by a high density of the lateral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) fibrils. Although these particular units exhibited a regular increase of fibril lengths, the length of the transcript-covered deoxyribonucleoprotein (DNP) fibres and the morphological aspect of the RNP fibrils distinguished them from the nucleolar 'Christmas-tree'-like figures. The linear and granular configuration of the transcripts and the absence of terminal knobs made them similar to non-nucleolar nascent RNP fibrils.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus / ultrastructure*
  • DNA
  • Deoxyribonucleoproteins*
  • Liver / ultrastructure*
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Nucleoproteins*
  • Rats
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Deoxyribonucleoproteins
  • Nucleoproteins
  • DNA