Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Microscopy of Fission Yeast Sexual Lifecycle
Published on: March 9, 2016
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF A FISSION YEAST, SCHIZOSACCHAROMYCES POMBE
Abstract:
Maclean, Norman (University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland). Electron microscopy of a fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. J. Bacteriol. 88:1459-1466. 1964.-The structure of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, was studied electron microscopically, with potassium permanganate and osmium tetroxide as fixatives. The cell was found to be bounded by a cell wall, 1,000 to 2,000 A thick, and a cell membrane. A layer of material was found between the cell membrane and the wall. The central nucleus, 2 to 3 mu in diameter, was bounded by a nuclear membrane, seen in some pictures to be double. Osmium tetroxide fixation revealed a granular body within the nucleus, identified as a nucleolus. Cytoplasmic structures included numerous vacuoles (probably normally containing lipid), a number of membranes and vesicles (which may represent a poorly organized mitochondrial system), and numerous granules (probably representing ribosomes).
Insights
This study used electron microscopy to reveal the detailed structure of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Key findings include the cell wall, membrane, nucleus, and various cytoplasmic components like vacuoles and ribosomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a model organism for studying eukaryotic cell division.
- Understanding yeast cell structure is crucial for various biological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the ultrastructure of the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, using electron microscopy.
- To identify and characterize key cellular components and their organization.
Main Methods:
- Transmission electron microscopy was employed.
- Cells were fixed using potassium permanganate and osmium tetroxide.
- Ultrastructural details of the cell wall, membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The cell wall thickness ranged from 1,000 to 2,000 Angstroms.
- A distinct layer was observed between the cell membrane and the cell wall.
- The nucleus, approximately 2 to 3 micrometers in diameter, featured a potentially double nuclear membrane.
- Osmium tetroxide fixation revealed a nucleolus within the nucleus.
- Cytoplasmic components included vacuoles, a possible mitochondrial system, and ribosomes.
Conclusions:
- Electron microscopy provides detailed insights into the ultrastructure of Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
- The identified structures (cell wall, membrane, nucleus, nucleolus, vacuoles, ribosomes) are consistent with known eukaryotic cell components.
- Further research could clarify the precise function of the observed cytoplasmic membranes and vesicles.
