基于AFM成像的DNA长度的计算机统计处理

Statistical length of DNA based on AFM image measured by a computer

利用计算机图像处理技术 ,对自然沉积DNA和拉直DNA分子AFM图像的长度进行了自动统计测量 ,并与DNA分子的理论长度进行了比较。该方法在DNA分子的AFM图像的基础上 ,将DNA分子拟合成曲线 ,用插值法求得DNA分子长度 ,整个过程实现了自动化。结果表明 ,该方法测得自然沉积的某DNA分子长度为 (180 .4± 16.4 )nm ,与理论长度 185 .0nm相当符合。该方法与拉直法和直接法求DNA分子长度相比是一次改进 ,也为其它基于AFM图像的线状物体求长度提供了一种新的测量方法。对另一组拉直DNA测量的结果表明 :拉直后DNA分子长度为 (34 3.6± 2 0 .7)nm ,与理论长度 30 7.0nm相比明显变长 ,这表明对自然沉积DNA进行长度测量的必要性 ,保证了DNA分子的长度不受拉直后有所伸长的影响。

Taking advantage of image processing technology, the contour length of DNA molecule was measured automatically by a computer. Based on the AFM image of DNA, the topography of DNA was simulated into a curve. Then the DNA length was measured automatically by inserting mode. It was shown that the experimental length of a naturally deposited DNA (180.4±16.4nm) was well consistent with the theoretical length (185.0nm). Comparing to other methods, the present approach had advantages of precision and automatism. The stretched DNA was also measured. It was shown that the experimental length (343.6±20.7nm) was much longer than the theoretical length (307.0nm). This result indicated that the stretching process had a distinct effect on the DNA length. However, the method provided here avoided the DNA-stretching effect.