Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time (T1) of the intracellular water protons and water content were measured in synchronized HeLa cells. The T1 was maximum (1020 milliseconds) in mitotic and minimum (534 milliseconds) in S phase cells. The cyclic pattern of T1 values correlated well with the chromosome condensation cycle. By treating cells with spermine, it was possible to alter T1 without a significant change in the water content. The results of this study suggest that an additional variable, namely, the conformational state of macromolecules, should be incluced in any expression explaining the shortened relaxation times of water protons in biological systems.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.