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Related Concept Videos

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction01:07

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to determine the 3D structure of biological samples with the help of techniques such as electron microscope tomography and single-particle reconstruction. While single-particle reconstruction can examine macromolecules and macromolecular complexes in vitro conditions only, tomography permits the study of cell components or small cells in vivo.
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...
Overview of Electron Microscopy01:25

Overview of Electron Microscopy

The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.
Transmission Electron Microscopy01:15

Transmission Electron Microscopy

In 1931, physicist Ernst Ruska—building on the idea that magnetic fields can direct an electron beam just as lenses can direct a beam of light in an optical microscope—developed the first prototype of the electron microscope. This development led to the development of the field of electron microscopy. In the transmission electron microscope (TEM), electrons are produced by a hot tungsten element and accelerated by a potential difference in an electron gun, which gives them up to 400 keV in...
Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy01:20

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...
Overview of Microscopy Techniques01:22

Overview of Microscopy Techniques

The early pioneers of microscopy opened a window into the invisible world of microorganisms. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes that leveraged nonvisible light, such as fluorescence microscopy that uses an ultraviolet light source and electron microscopy that uses short-wavelength electron beams. These advances significantly improved magnification, image resolution, and contrast. By comparison, the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Method for Obtaining Serial Ultrathin Sections of Microorganisms in Transmission Electron Microscopy
09:46

A Method for Obtaining Serial Ultrathin Sections of Microorganisms in Transmission Electron Microscopy

Published on: January 17, 2018

Ultramicrotomy for biological electron microscopy.

Herbert K Hagler1

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|July 28, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Learn essential microtomy techniques for electron microscopy. This guide covers specimen preparation, knife sharpening, and ultrathin sectioning for biological materials, aiding beginners in plastic-embedded specimen analysis.

Area of Science:

  • Electron Microscopy Techniques
  • Biological Specimen Preparation
  • Microtomy

Background:

  • Successful electron microscopy relies on high-quality ultrathin sections.
  • Plastic embedding is a common method for preserving biological structures.
  • Microtomy, the process of cutting thin sections, requires specific skills and equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detail the practical aspects of sectioning plastic-embedded specimens for electron microscopy.
  • To guide beginners in understanding the core principles of microtomy.
  • To highlight critical factors for producing high-quality ultrathin sections.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on specimen shape and size optimization.
  • Instruction on creating and maintaining sharp microtome knives.

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Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography
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Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography

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Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum Imaging by Correlative Light and Volume Electron Microscopy

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

A Method for Obtaining Serial Ultrathin Sections of Microorganisms in Transmission Electron Microscopy
09:46

A Method for Obtaining Serial Ultrathin Sections of Microorganisms in Transmission Electron Microscopy

Published on: January 17, 2018

Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography
08:04

Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography

Published on: March 12, 2017

Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum Imaging by Correlative Light and Volume Electron Microscopy
09:21

Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum Imaging by Correlative Light and Volume Electron Microscopy

Published on: July 20, 2019

  • Guidance on specimen orientation and section flotation techniques.

    • Main Results:

    • Provides a clear understanding of key microtomy parameters.
    • Enables the production of ultrathin sections suitable for electron microscopy.
    • Empowers beginners to achieve successful sectioning of biological specimens.

    Conclusions:

    • Mastering microtomy is crucial for detailed ultrastructural analysis.
    • Proper technique ensures the integrity of biological specimens during sectioning.
    • This chapter serves as a foundational resource for novice microtomists.