Khosla, S., Augustus, M., & Brahmachari, V. 1999 Sex-specific organisation of middle repetitive DNA sequences in the mealybug Planococcus lilacinus.. Nucleic Acid Research 27(18): 3745-3751.

Notes: Differential organisation of homologous chromosomes is related to both sex determination and genomic imprinting in coccid insects, the mealybugs. This report identifies two middle repetitive sequences that are differentially organised between the two sexes and also within the same diploid nucleus. These two sequences form a part of the male-specific nuclease-resistant chromatin (NRC) fraction of a mealybug Planococcus lilacinus. To understand the phenomenon of differential organisation the components of NRC have been analysed by cloning the DNA sequences present, deciphering their primary sequence, nucleosomal organisation, genomic distribution and cytological localisation. The middle repetitive sequences within NRC are presumed to be functionally significant and the probable involvement in male-specific chromatin organisation is discussed.