Human chromatid ultrastructure: new observations with scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
Two new observations have been made on human chromatid/chromosome ultrastructure using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). A bipartite, apparently half-chromatid-like structure was observed in whole human chromosomes studied with SEM and in longitudinally sectioned chromosomes analyzed with TEM. In addition, we also observed a zipper-like configuration as the parallel sister chromatids separated likely due to the supercoiled structure of the chromosome and chromatid. It is possible that either or both of these new observations resulted from our (improved) method of preparing the chromosomes for SEM and TEM.
Jenkins
Edmund C
EC
Department of Cytogenetics, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island 10314, USA. ecjenkins@erols.com
Wen
G Y
GY
Jenkins
Edmund C
EC
Genovese
Marilyn
M
Brown
W Ted
WT
D002842:Chromatids / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002877:Chromosomes, Human / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000379:methods; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods