Premature chromosome condensation

Premature chromosome condensation (PCC) occurs in eukaryotic organisms when mitotic cells fuse with interphase cells.^[1] Chromatin, a substance that contains genetic material such as DNA, is normally found in a loose bundle inside a cell's nucleus. During the prophase of mitosis, the chromatin in a cell compacts to form condensed chromosomes; this condensation is required in order for the cell to divide properly. While mitotic cells have condensed chromosomes, interphase cells do not. PCC results when an interphase cell fuses with a mitotic cell, causing the interphase cell to produce condensed chromosomes prematurely.

The appearance of a prematurely condensed chromosome depends on the stage that the interphase cell was in.^[1] Chromosomes that are condensed during the G₁ phase are usually long and have a single strand, while chromosomes condensed during the S phase appear crushed. Condensation during the G₂ phase yields long chromosomes with two chromatids.

References

1 2 "The phenomenon of premature chromosome condensation: its relevance to basic and applied research". Human Genetics 32 (4). December 1974. doi:10.1007/BF00272508. Retrieved 13 March 2010.

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