DNAse I digestion of fixed chromosomes specifically reveals NORs in man

Chromosomal preparations were digested with different concentrations of DNAse I for various periods of time and then stained with Giemsa. It was found that this endonuclease rapidly modifies the structure of the chromosomes which then lose most of their stainability. However, small chromosomal segments corresponding to the nucleolar organizers (NORs) in man have been consistently observed. Although DNAse I treatment has permitted us to observe that some NORs are stained less intensely than others, comparisons with silver nitrate-stained NORs have shown a strict correspondence, in metaphase as well as in interphase. Chromosomal proteins seem responsible for this staining.