Transmission electron microscopy of chromosomes by longitudinal section preparation: application to fragile X chromosome analysis.
We developed a method for the preparation of ultrathin longitudinal sections of chromosomes enabling TEM studies of whole chromosomes. By using a novel "repeat chill" method of exposing the glass slide and plastic block interface to liquid nitrogen, it was possible to separate consistently hardened epoxy resin-embedded chromosome spreads from glass slides for ultrathin longitudinal sectioning of entire spreads and of individual chromosomes. The method was applied to analyze the fragile X chromosome. The ultrastructure of centromeres, telomeres, fragile sites and other chromosomal areas can now be studied in detail.
Wen
G Y
GY
New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island 10314, USA.
Jenkins
E C
EC
Yao
X L
XL
Yoon
D
D
Brown
W T
WT
Wisniewski
H M
HM
D002503:Centromere; D005600:Fragile X Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008677:Metaphase; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods