The application of propidium iodide staining to the study of the macronucleus and micronuclei in the suctorian, Heliophrya sp

Abstract

Morphological changes in the macronucleus and micronuclei of the ciliated protozoon Heliophrya chapmani were investigated using the nucleic acid-specific stain propidium iodide. The fluorescence patterns of nuclei observed in propidium iodide preparations correspond well with those observed using more conventional DNA-specific methods, such as the Feulgen stain. The advantages of propidium iodide staining (minimal cell loss during staining, rapidity of the staining process, and the avoidance of cell damage during hydrolysis) make this method a quick and efficient alternative in the cytochemical study of the protozoan nucleus.