Folding patterns of chromatin in chicken erythrocyte studied by using AFM and TEM

Four folding patterns (～15, ～30-40, ～60 and ～90-110 nm) of the higher_order structure of chromatin in chicken erythrocytes have been observed with an atomic force microscope (AFM) under near natural conditions. Results showed that the chromatin in the interphase nucleus of chicken erythrocyte was not in a disorganized form but represented a higher_order conformation. The thin sections of the chromatin in the nucleus of chicken erythrocyte were examined with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Compared with TEM, AFM had the advantages that the samples did not need the preparation procedures such as fixing, sectioning and staining, and thus were closer to their native condition.

Four folding patterns (similar to 15, similar to 30-40, similar to 60 and similar to 90-110 nm) of the higher-order structure of chromatin in chicken erythrocytes have been observed with an atomic force microscope (AFM) under near natural conditions. Results showed that the chromatin in the interphase nucleus of chicken erythrocyte was not in a disorganized form but represented a higher-order conformation. The thin sections of the chromatin in the nucleus of chicken erythrocyte were examined with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Compared with TEM, AFM had the advantages that the samples did not need the preparation procedures such as fixing, sectioning and staining, and thus were closer to their native condition.