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Studying the Cytoskeleton

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The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 29, 2026

High-resolution Volume Imaging of Neurons by the Use of Fluorescence eXclusion Method and Dedicated Microfluidic Devices

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Published on: March 26, 2018

Atomic force microscopy analysis of cell volume regulation.

Chiara Spagnoli¹, Arthur Beyder, Stephen Besch

¹Dip. Scienze e tecnologie chimiche, Universita' di Roma "Tor Vergata", via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 0133 Rome, Italy.

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics

|October 15, 2008

Summary

Cells do not stiffen when swelling due to osmotic pressure. Instead, they soften, indicating the cytoskeleton, not the cell membrane, manages osmotic stress by acting like a gel.

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Last Updated: Jun 29, 2026

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Area of Science:

Cell biology
Biophysics

Background:

Cells swell in response to hypoosmotic challenges.
Current models predict cell membranes stiffen under osmotic stress based on van't Hoff's and Laplace's laws.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanical response of cells to osmotic swelling.
To test the prediction that cell membranes stiffen during osmotic swelling.

Main Methods:

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure cell mechanical properties.
Cells were subjected to hypoosmotic conditions to induce swelling.

Main Results:

Contrary to predictions, cells did not become stiffer during osmotic swelling.
Cells generally became softer as they swelled.
The cell membrane was not the primary element resisting osmotic stress.

Conclusions:

The cytoskeleton, acting as a cross-linked gel, likely manages osmotic stress.
Models of cellular osmotic response require inclusion of three-dimensional stress energy terms.