Abstract
The term satellite DNA is used for a DNA component that gives a sharp band in a density gradient and can be resolved from the broader main band of DNA in the gradient. The usual gradient material is CsCl in aqueous buffer and the Cs+ ions form a density gradient in a centrifugal field. DNA in the solution sediments to its isopycnic point. The density of DNA is a function of base composition and sequence and so a homogeneous or highly repeated DNA sequence will form a sharp band in CsCl density gradients at a characteristic density. The resolution of this procedure may be enhanced or modified by binding ligands to the DNA. For example, netropsin binds specifically to A + T-rich regions of DNA and reduces their density (1,2). Another useful ligand is Ag+, which must then be centrifuged in Cs2SO4 gradients to avoid precipitation of AgCl (3). Pharmacia has recently introduced CsCF3COO as a gradient material.
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References
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Cooney, C.A., Matthews, H.R. (1984). The Isolation of Satellite DNA by Density Gradient Centrifugation. In: Walker, J.M. (eds) Nucleic Acids. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 2. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-064-4:21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/0-89603-064-4:21
Publisher Name: Humana Press
Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-064-0
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