Electron Microscopy of Chromatin

Electron microscopy, with its ability to image DNA and nucleosomes, can provide a key visual link in the understanding of chromatin conformation. We discuss applications of EM to current chromatin research with emphasis on strategies that eliminate many of the potential problems associated with conv...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Methods (San Diego, Calif.) Calif.), 1997-05, Vol.12 (1), p.84-95
Main Authors: Woodcock, C.L., Horowitz, R.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chromatin - chemistry
Chromatin - ultrastructure
DNA - chemistry
Freezing
Histones - chemistry
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Microscopy, Electron - methods
Models, Molecular
Nucleosomes - chemistry
Nucleosomes - ultrastructure
Protein Conformation
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Summary:Electron microscopy, with its ability to image DNA and nucleosomes, can provide a key visual link in the understanding of chromatin conformation. We discuss applications of EM to current chromatin research with emphasis on strategies that eliminate many of the potential problems associated with conventional EM preparative techniques. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of isolated chromatin, whereby samples are imaged “in solution” in thin vitrified films, is considered in detail, with emphasis on the recovery of three-dimensional information and on its application to linker DNA conformation and to salt-induced compaction. Factors that currently limit the technique, and the prospects of overcoming them, are also considered.
ISSN:1046-2023
1095-9130
DOI:10.1006/meth.1997.0450