Imaging Polysomes Isolated from a Mouse Brain Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Begin with a mica sheet with adhered polysomes isolated from mouse brain tissue.

A polysome is a complex of multiple ribosomes attached to an RNA strand.

Using tape, secure the mica sheet to the sample holder.

Place the sample holder into the atomic force microscope stage.

Position the premounted cantilever. Align the laser and detector to ensure accurate signal detection during imaging.

Adjust the oscillation frequency of the cantilever to optimize the detection of surface features while preserving sample integrity.

Begin imaging by oscillating the cantilever tip over the sample surface. 

As the tip encounters an elevated surface of the polysome, the laser is deflected. 

These deflections of the laser are captured by the detector, which generates an image with nanoscale resolution.

Use appropriate software to correct arbitrary tilt and drifting effects, enabling the visualization of the polysome.