Atomic Force Microscopy of Human Chromosomes

摘要

The present study showed the application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to the three-dimensional analysis of the high-order structure of human metaphase chromosomes. We first visualized fibrous structures about 200nm thick, which were tightly packed in a helical fashion along the chromatid axis, indicating that chromosomes have a helical substructure. We then demonstrated that the pale and dark staining G-bands correspond to grooves and ridges of trypsinized chromosomes, respectively. Finaly, we showed the presence of chromatin fibers about 30 ～ 100 nm thick in chromosomes. Thus, the AFM is a useful tool for studies of the high ― order structure of chromosomes.