A tapping mode atomic force microscope (AFM) method for the visualization of plasmid DNA, cytoplasmic proteins, and DNA-protein complexes is described. The method includes alternate approaches for preparing samples for AFM imaging following biochemical manipulation. DNA containing specific protein interacting regions are observed in near-physiologic buffer conditions.
Murphy, P. J. M., Shannon, M., Goertz, J. Visualization of Recombinant DNA and Protein Complexes Using Atomic Force Microscopy. J. Vis. Exp. (53), e3061, doi:10.3791/3061 (2011).