Direct imaging in a water layer of human chromosome fibres composed of nucleosomes and their higher‐order structures by laser‐plasma X‐ray contact microscopy

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Abstract
Summary: X‐ray contact microscopy with a 300‐ps‐duration laser‐plasma X‐ray source has been used to image hydrated human chromosomes. Clearly imaged are individual nucleosomes and their higher‐order particles (superbeads), elementary chromatin fibrils c. 30 nm in diameter and their higher‐order fibres of various sizes up to c. 120 nm in diameter. The results demonstrate that X‐ray microscopy is now capable of opening a new path of investigation into the detailed structures of hydrated chromosome fibres in their natural state.