Transmission electron microscopy protocol

Fig. 1. Comparison of transmission and scanning electron microscopy protocols.

Transmission, freeze-fracture, and scanning electron microscopy have contributed ultrastmctural information about passive transport, particularly within the stratum comeum. Advances in fixation protocols for transmission electron microscopy have preserved the intercellular bilayers of the SC and have corrobrated their role in both passive and enhanced dmg delivery. Scanning and freeze-fracture electron microscopy have supplemented transmission electron microscopy by supplying three-dimensional representations of the transport pathways within the SC. 

These hydrophilic nanoparticles were generally prepared by the reduction of tetrachloroauric acid, FIAUCI4, with borohydride in the presence of the ligand. Although this protocol was identical for all of the nanoparticles, their sizes and shapes varied considerably, as could be demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, Figure 7.5). 

Finally, the morphology of PM can be directly visualized by microscopic methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy. Protocols where the micelles are imaged in their hydrated state are to be preferred for better agreement with reality. 

Protocol 11.5 Preparation of Samples for Transmission Electron Microscopy, 193... 

In addition to labeling NMJs, we have included procedures for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) preparation of NMJs in embryos and first-, second-, and third-instar larvae (see Protocol 11.5). These protocols are not described in detail elsewhere, and the ultrastructure of the NMJ can provide very valuable information about, for example, the number and morphology of active zones, size and number of synaptic vesicles, size of boutons, and alignment of pre- and postsynaptic densities. This information cannot be obtained in any other fashion than by TEM. 

Protocol 13.6 Preparation of Specimens for Transmission Electron Microscopy, 242... 

This protocol is used for light microscopic analysis of the adult eye (Tomlinson and Ready 1987), and it provides nice preservation of pigment granules and photoreceptor rhabdomeres therefore, it is primarily used for phenotypic and mosaic analysis of adult eyes (Figure 13.2). Because this fixation method does not preserve either cell membranes or subcellular structures, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is recommended for visualizing these structures. 

Kuo, John, ed. Electron Microscopy Methods and Protocols. 2d ed. Totowa, N.J. Humana Press, 2007. Presents clear instructions on how to process biological specimens. Protocols are described by experienced experts. Both transmission and scanning electron microscopy are covered. 

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