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. 1971 Nov 1;51(2):514–524. doi: 10.1083/jcb.51.2.514

EFFECTS OF ETHIDIUM BROMIDE ON THE CYTOCHROME CONTENT AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF L CELL MITOCHONDRIA

Gerald Soslau 1, Margit M K Nass 1
PMCID: PMC2108129  PMID: 5112654

Abstract

Ethidium bromide intercalates between the bases of native DNA, resulting in several biological anomalies. The effects of ethidium bromide on the mitochondria of cultured mouse L cells were studied. At a concentration of 1 µg ethidium bromide/ml it was observed that concentrations of cytochromes a + a 3 and b decreased, a + a 3 more rapidly than b. In contrast, the concentration of cytochromes c 1 and c increased or remained the same as in control cells. Concomitant with the decrease of cytochromes a + a 3 and b was an enlargement of the mitochondria and a reduction in the cristae. The cristae that remained were abnormally organized. After prolonged treatment with ethidium bromide a second population of small, more normally organized mitochondria was apparent. These effects of ethidium bromide could be reversed.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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