Three-dimensional visualization of a human chromosome using coherent X-ray diffraction

Phys Rev Lett. 2009 Jan 9;102(1):018101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.018101. Epub 2009 Jan 5.

Abstract

Coherent x-ray diffraction microscopy is a lensless phase-contrast imaging technique with high image contrast. Although electron tomography allows intensive study of the three-dimensional structure of cellular organelles, it has inherent difficulty with thick objects. X rays have the unique benefit of allowing noninvasive analysis of thicker objects and high spatial resolution. We observed an unstained human chromosome using coherent x-ray diffraction. The reconstructed images in two or three dimensions show an axial structure, which has not been observed under unstained conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosomes, Human / ultrastructure*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • X-Ray Diffraction / methods*