3D Ultrastructural Imaging of Chromosomes Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBFSEM)

To date, our understanding of how DNA is packaged in the cell nucleus, condensed from chromatin into chromosomes, and organized throughout cycle remains sparse. Three dimensional (3D) ultrastructural imaging an important tool for unravelling organizational structure chromosomes. For large volume 3D biological samples, serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBFSEM) has been applied, whereby information achieved by analyzing reconstructions acquired measured data sets. In this review, we summarize contribution SBFSEM obtaining images chromosomes to investigate their ultrastructure organization its nucleus. Furthermore, review highlights potential advancing chromosome research.