Concentration of elements in mitotic chromatin as measured by x-ray microanalysis

Unfixed frozen-dried and uncoated tissue sections of the mouse duodenum were placed on carbon planchets and analyzed in a scanning electron microscope fitted with energy dispersive X-ray equipment. Computer analysis of the X-ray spectra allowed elemental microanalysis of the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitotic chromatin regions in the cryptal and villus enterocytes. The peak to continuum ratio of S, Cl, K, and Ca were higher in mitotic chromatin than any of the other sites measured. The redistribution of Ca at mitosis is postulated to help explain both chromosome condensation and assembly of the mitotic spindle apparatus.