Measurement and purification of human chromosomes by flow cytometry and sorting.

Abstract

The 24 human chromosome types of a normal diploid fibroblast cell strain were classified into 15 groups by high-resolution flow cytometry on the basis of 33258 Hoechst fluorescence. Chromosomes associated with each group were flow sorted onto microscope slides and identified by quinacrine [Q] banding analysis. DNA cytophotometry of metaphase chromosomes from the same cell strain supported and extended this identification. Four of the groups purified were due to chromosomes of a single type, namely, chromosomes 5, 6, 13 and 17. Eight additional groups were also separated and contained the following chromosomes: 1 and 2; 3 and 4; 7, 8 and X; 9-12; 14 and 15; 16 and 18; 20 and Y; and 19, 21 and 22. The average purity for the 12 sorted fractions was 78%.