Is the chromatid gap a folding defect due to protein change? Evidence from mercaptoethanol treatment of human lymphocyte chromosomes

Mercaptoethanol treatment of human lymphocytes results in constrictions and gaps in the chromosomes. Breaks and exchanges are not induced. The observations indicate that constrictions and gaps may occur from damage to the protein moiety of the chromosome and support the concept that these aberrations are due to a deficient folding of the chromosome fiber into a metaphase chromatid. The distribution of the gaps show a non-random pattern.