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Electron microscopy of viruses.
1Electron Microscopy Centre, Medical Faculty, University of Rostock, D-18057 Rostock, Germany.
Methods in Cell Biology
|September 28, 2010
Summary
Electron microscopy is essential for studying viruses too small for light microscopy. Basic methods like negative staining and ultrathin sectioning provide crucial virus ultrastructure insights for diagnosis and research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microscopy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Viruses are sub-microscopic, necessitating advanced imaging techniques.
- Understanding virus morphology is critical for diagnosis, entry, and assembly studies.
- Assessing virus particle integrity is vital, especially after genome alterations in cell culture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail fundamental electron microscopy techniques for virology.
- To provide practical protocols for rapid implementation.
- To review advanced methods for comprehensive ultrastructural analysis.
Main Methods:
- Focus on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
- Detailed protocols for negative staining and ultrathin sectioning.
- Introduction to immuno-negative staining and rapid ultrathin sectioning.
Main Results:
- Basic TEM methods yield significant information on virus ultrastructure.
- Standard protocols are sufficient for initial investigations.
- Advanced techniques offer deeper insights into virus architecture.
Conclusions:
- Electron microscopy is indispensable in virology.
- Standard negative staining and ultrathin sectioning are powerful diagnostic and research tools.
- Advanced cryo-techniques and 3D reconstruction methods expand ultrastructural research capabilities.
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