Chapter 4 Isolation of Nuclei and Preparation of Chromatin from Plant Tissues

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses techniques for the isolation of nuclei and preparation of chromatin from plant tissues. The preparation of the chromosomal components from plant tissues requires the isolation of relatively undamaged nuclei free of other subcellular organelles and debris followed by the preparation of chromatin from those nuclei. The procedures reported in the chapter are selected as suitable for histone isolation from maize ( Zea mays ) tissues. The methods for obtaining nuclear preparations are judged by three criteria: purity, condition, and yield. Direct isolation of chromatin from maize tissues results in low yields and severely degraded histones. The methods selected for the isolation of plant nuclei and chromatin must be suited to the plant tissue used. The nuclear isolation methods outlined in the chapter are suitable for the isolation of nuclei from maize. The method employed for chromatin extraction from maize efficiently produces a satisfactory product that can be used for the isolation of histones; however, it may not be suited for all plant nuclei or for the unsheared chromatin.