'Metamorphosis': computer-assisted rotational analysis and interspatial distribution of nuclear structures from serial ultrathin sections

Abstract

'Metamorphosis' is a group of computer programs designed to permit rapid three-dimensional analysis and generation of models of nuclei cells from digitized data. Infinite exterior views are possible using the rotation program and the user has the added ability to enter the object and peer out. This permits analysis of structural associations from any perspective. Since many chromosome associations cannot be abstracted without a computer, using rotation and cluster analysis reveals obscure relationships. This concept becomes important when proposing theories involving interactions between two or more objects. The program is written in BASICA and designed for use on IBM-compatible personal computers equipped with a digitizer. Three-dimensional transformations are accomplished via matrix manipulation which permits rapid generation of new images.