Action of Proteolytic Enzymes on Chromosomes in vivo

Abstract

The action of four proteolytic enzymes viz. trypsin, pepsin, pronase and collagenase, on the chromosomes of living microsporocytes of Rhoeo discolor was studied. Continuous observation for a period of 4 hours indicated that the solvents in which the various enzymes are dissolved had a little effect on the chromosome morphology, which can be minimized by making the solution isotonic with sucrose. All the enzymes are finally capable of producing distinct dissolution of the chromosomes, but the intermediate steps towards dissolution are different. On the basis of specificity of the enzymes, it has been concluded that histones are responsible for coiling of chromosomes and nonhistones play an important part as a ligand macromolecule.