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Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 9, 2016
AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDY OF ISOLATED MITOCHONDRIA : METHOD AND PRELIMINARY RESULTS
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, and The Research Laboratories, Interchemical Corporation, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
This study used electron microscopy to examine rat lymphosarcoma mitochondria, revealing their distinct morphology and membrane structures. Mitochondria appear to be independent entities capable of maintaining their shape even outside the cytoplasm.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Mitochondria are crucial organelles within eukaryotic cells, involved in energy production.
- Understanding mitochondrial morphology is key to comprehending cellular function and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphology of mitochondria using electron microscopy.
- To characterize the structural features of isolated rat lymphosarcoma mitochondria.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of mitochondria from rat lymphosarcoma cells via differential centrifugation.
- Examination of purified mitochondria using electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Mitochondria appeared as spherical bodies, ranging from 0.6 to 1.3 micrometers in diameter.
- A differentiated limiting membrane was observed, capable of maintaining mitochondrial shape.
- Small granules (80-100 nm) were detected within some mitochondria, requiring further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Mitochondria are distinct morphological entities.
- Evidence suggests mitochondria can persist independently of the cytoplasm.
