Interphase chromosome structures of human cells.

Major intermediates of chromosome condensation in erythroleukemia K562 cells are presented. Interphase chromatin structures became visible after reversal of permeabilization. Large-scale chromatin structures and the development of individual interphase chromosomes were observed by fluorescence microscopy. In the linear arrangement the following major intermediates of K562 chromatin condensation could be distinguished: (1) the most decondensed chromatin veil, (2) chromatin ribbon, (3) chromatin funnel, a new intermediate regarded as the earliest visible form of interphase chromosomes, (4) chromatin body, (5) 300 nm chromatin fiber, (6) u, v, or s forms of chromosomes, and (7) linear chromosomes. The observations made in nuclei of K562 cells conform to the model of helical coil chromosome condensation.