Detection of specific DNA sequences by flow cytometry

Abstract

A method for detection of DNA sequences. In the method, chromatin (comprising protein and DNA) is contacted with a cross-linking agent for the protein of the chromatin to provide a substantially rigid chromatin particle. The DNA of the chromatin particle is then subjected to treatment to cause a separation of the individual DNA strands into single stranded DNA. Preselected sequences of the single stranded DNA are then contacted with a complementary polynucleotide probe specific for the DNA sequence of interest. The polynucleotide probe is marked with a fluorescent label thereby labelling a target sequence of DNA in the chromatin particles. The fluorescently tagged DNA sequences are then detected by subjecting the polynucleotide probe to a suitable light source and detecting the light emitted by the fluorescent label so as to identify the preselected DNA sequence.

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