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AEC NEWS FEATURE AEC LASER TECHNIQUE SORTS CHROMOSOMES One ofthe most precise studies of chemical character is - tics of chromosomes and their relationship to human health is under way atthe Atomic Energy Commission's Lawrence Livermore cells for biological studies has been adapted by Laboratory researchers for identifying and sorting chromosomes, which are subcellular carriers of genetic messages,with un pre c en dented A laser - activated technique for identifying and sorting Specifically stained chromosomes fluoresce as they are streamed one-by-one at a rate of about 1,000per second through the laser beam. A sensitive detector reads the fluoresce nse and through almost instantaneous computer analysis decides whether the chromosome has characteristics needing further study. Ifso,the computer triggers an electrical pulse giving that chromosome a small charge just as it exists a nozzle.A magne tic field deflects the chromosom.e into awaiting container. This rapid sorting technique was developed earlier at Los Alamos (N.M.)Scientific Laboratory for use with whole cells.Its extension at Livermore t o chromosomes provides separation of pure chromosomes for.the first time and increases chromosome analysis speeds by a factor of10,000. Both Laboratories are operated by the University of California for the AEC. The precision of the studies comes from the laser technique combined with as lower but extremely sensitive cell and chromosome analysis method developed in1974at Livermore called CYDAC, for Cy t oph ot ome tric Dat a Converter.
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For example, using CYDAC, Livermore researchers confirmed that the chromosomal change associated with chronic myelogenous percent of the genetic material(deoxyribonucleic acid,or DNA) from one chromosome to another.This is the first time such small DNA changes have been measured precisely, and it is only one o f many ways this approach can be used for investigating The rapid laser - sorting technique and the CYDAC method are now being used in cooperative studies with University of Cali - for nia clinical researchers at the San Francisco Medical Center and the Berkeley campus.