Sweney L R, Lam L F, Shapiro B L
J Microsc. 1979 Mar;115(2):151-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.1979.tb00164.x.
Human metaphase chromosomes were processed with a 3% glutaraldehydetannic acid technique and examined in a scanning electron microscope at 20 kV either without added metal coating or with 2 nm of sputtered gold coating. Several substrates--aluminum mnium foil, silver mirror deposit and sputtered gold-provided good conductive backgrounds for chromosomal spreads. Silver mirror deposit was the best conductive substrate tested. This method should prove to be a useful tool for monitoring the three-dimensional morphology of mitotic chromosomes with the possibility of studying various banding techniques, chromosomal uncoiling and secondary constrictions currently being examined in chromosomal studies.
