Does anyone know a simply way (i.e. using free image softwares) to quantify chromatin condensation? Cells were labeled with DAPI and analyzed by confocal microscopy.
Simplest way would be to determine the number of pixels covering the chromatin per unit length of chromosome. Built-in software from the confocal microscope should be able tell you the number of pixels upon carefully selecting (outlining) an area in the image. HTH.