[Scanning electron microscopy of metaphase chromosomes. I. The relation of chromosome morphology to the method of drying the preparations].

The surface of metaphase chromosomes fixed in methanol--acetic acid (3 : 1) has been examined by high resolution scanning electron microscopy. The chromosomes were prepared both by the standard method (spread on the slide) and as isolated cells. The absence of microconvules on the surface of air-dried chromosomes is considered to be result of destruction of fibrillar structure by surface tension forces, rather than of covering of chromosomes by remnant of the cytoplasmic membrane.