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You are interested in reconstructing the three-dimensional shape of chromosomes in living cells that are in the process of mitosis. Which microscopic technique will you choose?

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Final answer:

To view and reconstruct the 3D shape of chromosomes in mitosis, fluorescence microscopy is the best choice due to its ability to visualize cellular structures using fluorescent dyes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To reconstruct the three-dimensional shape of chromosomes in living cells during mitosis, a powerful microscopic technique such as fluorescence microscopy is typically required. This technique involves staining the chromosomes with fluorescent dyes, allowing for the clear visualization of cellular structures when illuminated with specific wavelengths of light. The use of fluorescence microscopy to observe mitotic stages, with DNA labeled in blue and microtubules in green. A fluorescence-stained cell undergoing mitosis, clearly shows mitotic spindles (green), chromosomes (light blue), and outlines of cell components (red). As the technician compares different stages of mitosis from root samples, one would likely observe various mitotic phases such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, where chromosomes and spindle apparatus are visible.

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