Thursday, April 7, 2011

Are there microscopes that can actually see the double helix of DNA?

Yes, the ultrahigh resolution scanning electron microscope has been able to reveal nucleosomes and the double helix structure of DNA.  Here is an abstract from U.S. National Library of Medicine:

“We observed DNA double helix and nucleosomes in the chromatin of chicken erythrocytes by ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopy. Specimens were prepared according to a modified microspreading technique in combination with the carbon plate method and observed without metal coating. A part of the DNA fibers without nucleosomes showed "left-handed" double-strands with twisting appearances and regular periodicities of the helix. Linker DNA between the nucleosomes showed "right-handed" appearances. Most of the nucleosome particles appeared as prolate ellipsoidal shapes of various sizes. DNA appeared to enter and exit the nucleosome particles on opposite sides winding around the histone core.
PMID: 1791402 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]"

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