GTG banding pattern on human metaphase chromosomes revealed by high resolution atomic-force microscopy

Surface topography of human metaphase chromosomes following GTG banding was examined using high resolution atomic force microscopy (AFM). Although using a completely different imaging mechanism, which is based on the mechanical interaction of a probe tip with the chromosome, the observed banding pattern is comparable to results from light microscopy and a karyotype of the AFM imaged metaphase spread can be generated. The AFM imaging process was performed on a normal 2 n  = 46, XX karyotype and on a 2 n  = 46, XY, t(2;15)(q23;q15) karyotype as an example of a translocation of chromosomal bands.