Biomaterial Database

Inverted repeat sequences in the Drosophila genome. 1975

C W Schmid, and J E Manning, and N Davidson

The properties of inverted repeat (foldback) sequences in Drosophila melanogaster DNA have been studied by HAP chromatography and electron microscope methods. Electron microscope observations show that there is a broad distribution of lengths of the duplex regions of the inverted repeats from very short to greater than 15 kb, with number and weight average values of 1.35 kb and 5.0 kb respectively. About 20% of the inverted repeats are separated by a single-strand spacer with lengths too short to observe, but the other 80% have spacers, P, with lengths ranging from 0.5 kb to greater than 30 kb. The number average and weight average spacer lengths for the total sample are 2.7 kb and 6.1 kb. With respect to the lengths of the spacers, P, between inverted repeats, the Drosophila genome differs from that of most organisms which have been studied where the spacers P are mostly too short to be measured. EM and HAP studies suggest that the average center-to-center spacing between sets of inverted repeats is 40-80 kb. The HAP studies show that there is a broad range of thermal stabilities for the duplexes formed by reassociation of inverted repeat sequences. Kinetic analysis shows that all of the frequency components of the Drosophila genome are present in the inverted repeats, the loops P, and the flanking sequences. There is a somewhat larger proportion of middle repetitive DNA in those inverted repeat duplexes which are resistant to digestion by Mung Bean Endonuclease I. These enzyme resistant duplexes comprise about 3% of the entire genome. It is estimated that there are approximately 2000-4000 inverted repeat pairs in the entire genome.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008854	Microscopy, Electron	Microscopy using an electron beam, instead of light, to visualize the sample, thereby allowing much greater magnification. The interactions of ELECTRONS with specimens are used to provide information about the fine structure of that specimen. In TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY the reactions of the electrons that are transmitted through the specimen are imaged. In SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY an electron beam falls at a non-normal angle on the specimen and the image is derived from the reactions occurring above the plane of the specimen.	Electron Microscopy
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D008970	Molecular Weight	The sum of the weight of all the atoms in a molecule.	Molecular Weights,Weight, Molecular,Weights, Molecular
D009691	Nucleic Acid Denaturation	Disruption of the secondary structure of nucleic acids by heat, extreme pH or chemical treatment. Double strand DNA is "melted" by dissociation of the non-covalent hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Denatured DNA appears to be a single-stranded flexible structure. The effects of denaturation on RNA are similar though less pronounced and largely reversible.	DNA Denaturation,DNA Melting,RNA Denaturation,Acid Denaturation, Nucleic,Denaturation, DNA,Denaturation, Nucleic Acid,Denaturation, RNA,Nucleic Acid Denaturations
D009695	Nucleic Acid Renaturation	The reformation of all, or part of, the native conformation of a nucleic acid molecule after the molecule has undergone denaturation.	Acid Renaturation, Nucleic,Acid Renaturations, Nucleic,Nucleic Acid Renaturations,Renaturation, Nucleic Acid,Renaturations, Nucleic Acid
D010944	Plants	Multicellular, eukaryotic life forms of kingdom Plantae. Plants acquired chloroplasts by direct endosymbiosis of CYANOBACTERIA. They are characterized by a mainly photosynthetic mode of nutrition; essentially unlimited growth at localized regions of cell divisions (MERISTEMS); cellulose within cells providing rigidity; the absence of organs of locomotion; absence of nervous and sensory systems; and an alternation of haploid and diploid generations. It is a non-taxonomical term most often referring to LAND PLANTS. In broad sense it includes RHODOPHYTA and GLAUCOPHYTA along with VIRIDIPLANTAE.	Plant
D002845	Chromatography	Techniques used to separate mixtures of substances based on differences in the relative affinities of the substances for mobile and stationary phases. A mobile phase (fluid or gas) passes through a column containing a stationary phase of porous solid or liquid coated on a solid support. Usage is both analytical for small amounts and preparative for bulk amounts.	Chromatographies
D004247	DNA	A deoxyribonucleotide polymer that is the primary genetic material of all cells. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms normally contain DNA in a double-stranded state, yet several important biological processes transiently involve single-stranded regions. DNA, which consists of a polysugar-phosphate backbone possessing projections of purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (thymine and cytosine), forms a double helix that is held together by hydrogen bonds between these purines and pyrimidines (adenine to thymine and guanine to cytosine).	DNA, Double-Stranded,Deoxyribonucleic Acid,ds-DNA,DNA, Double Stranded,Double-Stranded DNA,ds DNA
D004277	DNA, Single-Stranded	A single chain of deoxyribonucleotides that occurs in some bacteria and viruses. It usually exists as a covalently closed circle.	Single-Stranded DNA,DNA, Single Stranded,Single Stranded DNA
D004331	Drosophila melanogaster	A species of fruit fly frequently used in genetics because of the large size of its chromosomes.	D. melanogaster,Drosophila melanogasters,melanogaster, Drosophila