Human chromosome structure studied by scanning force microscopy after an enzymatic digestion of the covering cell material.
In standard preparations, metaphase human chromosomes are covered by a cell material film composed mainly of proteins and RNA. This film (approximately 30 nm thickness) hides the chromosome structure to the tip of a scanning force microscope. In this work, a mild enzymatic treatment is applied to remove the cell material film. After treatment, the individual chromatin fibers at the surface were resolved. Furthermore, the chromosome shows a thickness modulation, in which thicker/thinner regions could be associated with G/R bands. Finally, the topography of the chromosomes in solution is presented. The chromosome volume swelled about five-fold and chromatin packaging in bands and coils was observed.
Tamayo
J
J
H.H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, UK. phjt@phy.bris.ac.uk
Miles
M
M
D000388:Air; D001399:Azure Stains; D002843:Chromatin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002871:Chromosome Banding; D002875:Chromosomes / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D012996:Solutions; D013499:Surface Properties
D001399:Azure Stains; D002843:Chromatin; D012996:Solutions