In situ nick translation of human chromosomes with the restriction endonuclease Pvu II [5' CAG decreases CTG 3'].

The treatment of fixed human chromosomes by a number of restriction endonucleases has opened additional avenues towards understanding the mechanism(s) of chromosome banding. Metaphase chromosomes from five unrelated individuals were treated with restriction endonuclease Pvu II [CAG decreases CTG] which has a 6 bp recognition site. The banding patterns were compared with another restriction endonuclease Alu I [AG decreases CT] which recognizes only 4 bp but the recognition sequences are identical. The results demonstrate that the banding pattern of human chromosomes observed by Pvu II digestion are apparently identical to those observed by Alu I. The mechanisms of chromosomal banding are discussed.