Abstract
A method for the isolation of metaphase chromosomes from colchicine-arrested cells of L2 mouse ascites tumor was developed. The unique feature of the isolation procedure was homogenization of cells at pH 3.7. The chromosomes, isolated in mg quantities, were morphologically intact. There was little gel formation on contamination from cells, nuclei, smaller organelles, or soluble components. Chemical analysis of isolated chromosomes showed 13.5% RNA, 13.5% DNA, and 68.3% protein. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum and metal content of chromosomes were presented.