title: Scanning electron microscopy of uncoated human metaphase chromosomes.
abstract: Human metaphase chromosomes were processed with a 3% glutaraldehydetannic acid technique and examined in a scanning electron microscope at 20 kV either without added metal coating or with 2 nm of sputtered gold coating. Several substrates--aluminum mnium foil, silver mirror deposit and sputtered gold-provided good conductive backgrounds for chromosomal spreads. Silver mirror deposit was the best conductive substrate tested. This method should prove to be a useful tool for monitoring the three-dimensional morphology of mitotic chromosomes with the possibility of studying various banding techniques, chromosomal uncoiling and secondary constrictions currently being examined in chromosomal studies.
mesh_terms: D000535:Aluminum; D002842:Chromatids / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002871:Chromosome Banding / Q000379:methods; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005976:Glutaral; D006046:Gold; D006801:Humans; D047348:Hydrolyzable Tannins; D006878:Hydroxides; D008677:Metaphase; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D012835:Silver Nitrate
chemical_list: D047348:Hydrolyzable Tannins; D006878:Hydroxides; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; D006046:Gold; D012835:Silver Nitrate; D000535:Aluminum; D005976:Glutaral