Single-Chromosome Micromanipulation Experiment
Marko Laboratory, Northwestern University
Field of view is approximately 100 microns.
First image is updated once per minute on this server, when
experiments are in progress.
This web page should refresh automatically.
Second image is from a previous experiment.
Experiments are done most weekdays, usually in the early afternoon.
The objective of this experiment is to study the structure of the
mitotic chromosome, using unique biophysical techniques. We remove
single mitotic chromosomes from dividing cells using micropipettes.
Then, we suspend one chromosome between two pipettes, allowing us
to measure its elasticity via bending of one pipette. Finally,
we spray the chromosome with biochemicals which make specific
changes in its structure: we then observe changes via video
microscopy and force measurement.
This experiment was developed by
Mike Poirier (UIC Ph.D. 2001),
Lisa Pope (UIC postdoctoral researcher 2003-2005),
Chee Xiong (UIC M.Eng. 2005),
and Ryo Kawamura (UIC Ph.D. student 2005-present).
