HVEM image of thick section of a polytene chromosome from the fat bodyof 3rd instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster showing the organization into bands and interbands characteristic of polytene chromosomes. This image was taken with a tilt angle of +5 degrees. The accompanying grouped image, taken at -5 degrees forms a stereo pair, providing a 3D view of the chromosome.
Biological Process: Chromosome organization
Cells were dissected, fixed with formalin, stained with uranyl acetate, embedded in epoxy resin, and 0.5 micrometer sections prepared (see Ris H, 1981 Stereoscopic Electron Microscopy of Chromosomes, Meth Cell Biol 22:77-96). Grids were observed using the Madison High Voltage Electron Microscope at 1 MeV.
Author: Hans Ris
Source: The Cell: An Image Library
