High Resolution Imaging of Polytene Chromosomes: Illustrated Protocols of New Method and Computer Vision Perspectives - Softcover

Novikov, Dmitri

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3639129245 ISBN 13: 9783639129243

Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller, 2009

Synopsis

The exceptional organization of polytene chromosomes has made fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster a premier model organism for visualization of genes. A major barrier to full exploitation of polytene chromosome cytology has been the difficulty in producing good chromosome preparations. A new, economical procedure using high pressure and other modifications to overcome this barrier is presented. Light microscopy images of such slides compared to electron microscopy images for the first time show similar or superior detail. Results from typical staining applications, including immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization are illustrated, and optimized protocols for light and electron microscopy presented. Also included are notes on the general architecture of polytene chromosomes. Improved chromosome images prompted collaborative development of computer vision applications for automated recognition and analysis of structural patterns. These methods should be helpful for researchers and students using the classical polytene chromosome model as well as to all scientists exploring wonderful possibilities that computer vision opens to modern microscopy.

About this title

About the Author

Dmitri V. Novikov, Ph.D., University of Illinois. Director of Microscopy Facility of the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois.

Edition details

• Publisher: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3639129245
• ISBN 13: 9783639129243
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96