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A Simple Method for Imaging DNA using SEM

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 March 2018

N. Chatterjee ,
K. Andresen ,
M. Thomas ,
L. Pollack  and
E. Kirkland
N. Chatterjee
Affiliation:
School of Applied and Engineering Physics
K. Andresen
Affiliation:
School of Applied and Engineering Physics
M. Thomas
Affiliation:
Cornell Center for Materials Research, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
L. Pollack
Affiliation:
School of Applied and Engineering Physics
E. Kirkland
Affiliation:
School of Applied and Engineering Physics

Extract

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The intricate relationship between molecular structure and function is a common theme in molecular biology. Visualizing the structure of biological macromolecules through imaging is therefore useful in understanding their varied biological roles. The process is often complex; imaging in a high voltage Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) involves extensive staining and freezing. The aim of this experiment was to image DNA easily in a close to natural environment in a simple microscope. Samples were imaged using a Leo (Zeiss) 1550 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with a Schottky field emitter in the 15-30kV range to reduce radiation damage. After imaging off-the-shelf DNA, two more DNA samples were dialyzed with RbCl and NaCl and imaged to elucidate what made the DNA visible.

Type
Research Article
Information
Microscopy Today , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , March 2008 , pp. 38 - 39
Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America 2008

References

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