Detection of DNA in the nucleoids of chloroplasts and mitochondria in Euglena gracilis by immunoelectron microscopy.

Abstract

DNA in the nucleoids of chloroplasts and of mitochondria in Euglena gracilis was detected with anti-DNA antibodies by immunoelectron microscopy. After treatment with the antibodies, DNA in these organelles combined with gold particles that had been coated with anti-IgM antibodies such that it was possible to trace the outlines of the nucleoids. Nucleoids in chloroplasts appeared to be composed of twisted threads 50-70 nm in diameter. The twisted threads were entangled to form thicker nodes of 100-200 nm diameter. Most nucleoids in mitochondria were spherical or ovoid, 70-130 nm in diameter. Nucleoids both in chloroplasts and in mitochondria contained cores with which DNA threads were in tight contact. The structure of the nucleoids was very different from those previously observed by conventional electron microscopy.