Behaviour of sex chromosome associated satellite DNAs in somatic and germ cells in snakes

Abstract

Sex chromosome associated satellite DNAs isolated from the snakes Elaphe radiata (sat III) (Singh et al., 1976) and Bungarus fasciatus (Elapidae) (minor satellite) are evolutionarily conserved throughout the suborder Ophidia. An autosome limited satellite DNA (B. fasciatus major satellite) is not similarly conserved. Both types of satellites have been studied by in situ hybridisation in various somatic tissues and germ cells where it has been observed that the W sex chromosome remains condensed in interphase nuclei. In growing oocytes however, the W chromosome satellite rich heterochromatin decondenses completely whilst the autosomal satellite rich regions remain condensed. Later, the cycle is reversed and the W chromosome condenses whilst the autosomal satellite regions decondense. In a primitive snake (Eryx johni johni) where the sex chromosomes are not differentiated and where there is no satellite DNA specific to them, these phenomena are absent. — The differential behaviour of autosomal and sex chromosome associated satellite DNAs is discussed in the light of gene regulation.