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Updated: Jun 8, 2026
Microscopy of Fission Yeast Sexual Lifecycle
Published on: March 9, 2016
Fission yeast a cellular model well suited for electron microscopy investigations
1Cell Biology and Biophysics Program, European Molecular Biology Laboratories, Heidelberg 69117, Germany.
Abstract:
The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has become a prominent model in molecular biology, both in yeast genetics and to investigate the molecular mechanism of the cell cycle. It has also proved to be a suitable model organism for looking at cell architecture and ultrastructure using electron microscopy (EM). Here we discuss what makes S. pombe particularly suited to EM and summarize the important discoveries regarding cell organization that have emerged from such studies. We describe the procedures and conventional methods used in EM analysis of fission yeast cells, and lay particular emphasis on cryogenic procedures, which preserve the cell structure in a near-native state, allowing elaborate three-dimensional reconstruction using electron tomography. The chapter also gives several examples of how contemporary EM approaches can be applied to provide a detailed read-out of phenotypes in this versatile cell system. A list of instruments and detailed protocols are provided together with EM-specific reagents required for sample preparation. Finally, potential new avenues of research are discussed, anticipating forthcoming topics in EM as well as new approaches to fission yeast research in the future.
Insights
Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) excels in electron microscopy (EM) studies of cell cycle and architecture. Cryo-EM and tomography reveal near-native structures, aiding phenotype analysis and future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) is a key model organism for genetics and cell cycle research.
- Its suitability for electron microscopy (EM) enables detailed studies of cell architecture and ultrastructure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the advantages of fission yeast for EM analysis.
- To summarize key discoveries in cell organization from EM studies.
- To provide practical guidance on EM methods and future research avenues.
Main Methods:
- Conventional electron microscopy (EM) techniques.
- Cryogenic procedures for preserving near-native cellular structures.
- Electron tomography for three-dimensional reconstruction.
- Application of contemporary EM approaches for phenotype analysis.
Main Results:
- Fission yeast's suitability for EM has led to significant insights into cell organization.
- Cryo-EM and tomography allow detailed 3D reconstructions.
- Contemporary EM methods provide a detailed readout of cellular phenotypes.
Conclusions:
- Schizosaccharomyces pombe is an ideal model for advanced EM investigations.
- Cryo-EM techniques are crucial for understanding cellular ultrastructure.
- EM continues to be a powerful tool for dissecting fission yeast biology and identifying new research directions.
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