Visualizing Genes: The Possible Dream
– Science News, September 2, 1972
Molecular biologists can now visualize the bigger constructions of the cell, such because the nucleus and chromosomes, below the highly effective electron microscope. But they haven’t been in a position to receive pictures of genes (DNA) on the chromosomes. Nor have they been in a position to see RNA … or the intricate particulars of cell membranes, enzymes and viruses.
Update
Electron microscopes have turn into far more highly effective during the last 50 years. For occasion, in 1981, biophysicist Jacques Dubochet found that tiny organic constructions tremendouscooled with ethane could possibly be noticed of their pure state below an electron microscope. That discovering paved the best way for cryo-electron microscopy, which scientists use to visualise proteins, viruses and micro organism on the molecular stage (SN: 10/28/17, p. 6). Capturing detailed pictures of genes stays elusive, however scientists are inching nearer. In 2021, researchers reported utilizing an electron microscope and the molecular scissors CRISPR/Cas9 to visualise proteins transcribing DNA directions for 2 genes into RNA.