Imaging Polysomes Isolated from a Mouse Brain Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Source: Lunelli, L., et. al. Peering at Brain Polysomes with Atomic Force Microscopy. J. Vis. Exp.(2016).This video demonstrates the imaging of polysomes using atomic force microscopy. A nickel-ions-coated mica sheet anchors RNA with attached ribosomes. The sample is washed, dried, and mounted onto the microscope stage. The cantilever tip scans the sample surface, recording laser deflections to map the topology. Software is used to correct distortions and visualize high-resolution polysome structures.