The precise location of pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) was determined within the cell nucleus of the amphibian N. maculosus (mudpuppy) oocyte. Pre-messenger RNA or heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) is directly transcribed from the gene in the cell nucleus (Jelinek et al., 1983). This highly unstable, high molecular weight complex is then processed into messenger RNA (mRNA). Again this transformation is thought to take place in the nucleus.By employing the techniques of in situ hybridization along with light and high resolution autoradiography an effort was made to localize, via a radioactive probe, ( 3H) poly (U), pre-mRNA within the nucleus. Additionally, various inhibitors were employed in this study to analyze changes in the amount and distribution of radioactive material within the cell.Light microscopy observations of autoradiographs reveal a consistent pattern of probe localization over the nucleoli with a broader dispersal across the nuclei. Ultrastructural studies reveal the presence of granules (perichromatin granules) localized over both the nucleolar-associated chromatin and at the border of condensed chromatin. These structures are contained in the cell nucleus and are presumed to function in the transport and storage of mRNA. / Department of Physiology and Health Science
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/183472 |
Date | January 1987 |
Creators | Rock, Daniel E. |
Contributors | Ball State University. Dept. of Physiology and Health Science., Ganion, Larry R. |
Source Sets | Ball State University |
Detected Language | English |
Format | vii, 57 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm. |
Source | Virtual Press |
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