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Related Concept Videos

Atomic Force Microscopy01:08

Atomic Force Microscopy

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
The AFM Probe
The probe is regarded as the heart of any AFM setup and comprises the...
Forces Acting on Chromosomes02:11

Forces Acting on Chromosomes

During mitosis, chromosome movements occur through the interplay of multiple piconewton level forces. In prometaphase, these forces help in chromosome assembly or congression at the equatorial plane, eventually leading to their alignment at the metaphase plate. The forces acting on the chromosomes are space and time-dependent; therefore, they vary with the position of the chromosomes as the cell progresses through mitosis. 
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The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Probing The Structure And Dynamics Of Nucleosomes Using Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging
09:52

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Published on: January 31, 2019

Atomic force microscopy for imaging human metaphase chromosomes.

Tatsuo Ushiki1, Osamu Hoshi

  • 1Division of Microscopic Anatomy and Bio-imaging, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 951-8510, Japan. t-ushiki@med.niigata-u.ac.jp

Chromosome Research : an International Journal on the Molecular, Supramolecular and Evolutionary Aspects of Chromosome Biology
|May 8, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals human chromosomes have distinct ridges and grooves. These structures correlate with chromosome banding and arise from compacted chromatin fiber loops.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cytogenetics

Background:

  • Understanding chromosome structure is crucial for cell biology and genetics.
  • Previous imaging techniques have limitations in resolving nanoscale topographical features.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce the principle of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
  • To present AFM-based results of human metaphase chromosomes.
  • To investigate the three-dimensional surface topography of chromosomes.

Main Methods:

  • Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging of human metaphase chromosomes.
  • Imaging performed under ambient and physiological liquid conditions.
  • High magnification analysis of chromatid structure.

Main Results:

  • AFM revealed non-uniform chromatid arm structure with prominent ridges and grooves in late metaphase.
  • Ridges and grooves showed symmetry between sister chromatids.
  • These topographical features correlated with G/Q-positive (ridges) and G/Q-negative (grooves) bands.
  • Chromatids are formed by compacted, twisted chromatin fiber loops, with stronger compaction in ridged regions.
  • Catenation of chromatin fibers was observed between ridged portions in late metaphase chromosomes.

Conclusions:

  • AFM provides detailed three-dimensional surface topography of chromosomes.
  • The technique is effective in both ambient and physiological liquid environments.
  • AFM is a valuable tool for exploring chromosome structure at the nanoscale.