Sequence-directed curvature of repetitiveAluIDNA in constitutive heterochromatin ofArtemia franciscana

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Abstract
An Alu I family of repeated DNA sequence 113 bp in length was found to be the major component of the heterochromatin in Artemia franciscana. On the basis of the analysis of cloned oligometric (monomer to examer) heterochromatic fragments we predicted that the sequence could produce a stable curvature in chromosomal DNA. This prediction was confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis and by electron microscope observations. The anomalous mobility of these fragments is reversed when the DNA samples are electrophoresed in the presence of distamycin A. Moreover treatment of living Artemia with this drug produces visible decondensation of heterochromatic masses in the interphase nuclei.