Molecular hybridization of mouse satellite DNA-complementary RNA in ultrathin sections prepared for electron microscopy

Abstract

The feasibility of in situ hybridization in tissue sections prepared for electron microscopy has been examined using mouse satellite DNA-complementary RNA and mouse L cells. The results obtained are encouraging, although certain technical aspects require further clarification. In interphase cells, hybrid-forming sites occur in chromatin patches positioned along the nuclear envelope. It is also confirmed that satellite DNA occurs in nucleolus-associated chromatin. The results suggest that satellite sequences are present in intranucleolar and peri-nucleolar chromatin. A similar distribution is indicated for ribosomal cistrons.