[Morphological changes in isolated metaphase chromosomes depending on the pH and ionic strength of the solutions]

The morphology of isolated unfixed Chinese chamster chromosomes is described in relation to the composition of solutions used for chromosome isolation. The chromosomal morphology was studied with the aid of a flow-chamber and phase-contrast microscopy. Changes in chromosome length and width in relation to pH values (ranging from 2.2 to 9.15) and ionic strength (ranging from 0 to 2.0 M) are detected.