Oxytricha nova is a hypotrichous ciliate containing a transcriptionally active macronucleus and a transcriptionally inactive micronucleus. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis shows that macronuclei contain a normal complement of inner histones. However, despite extensive efforts, no classical H1-like protein has been detected. Micrococcal nuclease digestion indicates a nucleosome repeat length of approximately 220 bp for macronuclear chromatin. Thermal denaturation profiles of macronuclear chromatin in 0.2 mM EDTA display four transitions at about 46, 57, 64, and 79 degrees C. The lowest of these shifts to higher temperature as the ionic strength is raised to 3-5 mM Na phosphate. These results are consistent with the absence of H1 and a nucleosome repeat of 220-230 bp. Circular dichroism (CD) results agree with these findings. By contrast, micronuclear chromatin displays a much smaller premelt and a more suppressed DNA CD signal at 285 nm, consistent with a micronuclear chromatin repeat of 165-185 bp as determined by micrococcal nuclease digestion.