SEM images of DNA double helix and nucleosomes observed by ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopy.
We observed DNA double helix and nucleosomes in the chromatin of chicken erythrocytes by ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Specimens were prepared according to a modified microspreading technique in combination with the carbon plate method and observed without metal coating. A part of the DNA fibers without nucleosomes showed "left-handed" double-strands with twisting appearances and regular periodicities of the helix. Linker DNA between the nucleosomes showed "right-handed" appearances. Most of the nucleosome particles appeared as prolate ellipsoidal shapes of various sizes. DNA appeared to enter and exit the nucleosome particles on opposite sides winding around the histone core.
Inaga
S
S
Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan.
Osatake
H
H
Tanaka
K
K
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D004247:DNA / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009707:Nucleosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D009707:Nucleosomes; D004247:DNA