This is image of refractive index distribution in a thin optical section of Crane Fly Nephrotoma suturalis spermatocyte during metaphase of meiosis I.
This is image of refractive index distribution in a thin optical section of Crane Fly Nephrotoma suturalis spermatocyte during metaphase of meiosis I.
The picture brightness is linearly proportional to refractive index variation. We used newly developed orientation-independent differential interference contrast (OI-DIC) technique. The image was taken with a 100x/1.30 oil immersion objective lens. Image size is 68µm x 68µm.
The three autosomal bivalent chromosomes are in sharp focus at the spindle equator, along with one of the X-Y sex univalents, which is located immediately to their right. The tubular distribution of mitochondria surrounding the spindle is clearly evident in these thin optical sections. Both polar flagella in the lower centrosome are in focus, appearing as a letter 'l' lying on its side. The image was obtained together with Prof. Jim LaFountain (SUNY, Buffalo, NY).
Image courtesy of Dr. Michael Shribak, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA.