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Rapid Freezing using Sandwich Freezing Device for Good Ultrastructural Preservation of Biological Specimens in Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 19, 2021
Artifacts of electron microscopy in cells
1Unity Laboratory of Applied Neurobiology, 76, Epsom Road, Guildford, Surrey, GUI 2BX, U.K. Harold.hillman@btinternet.com
Physiological Chemistry and Physics and Medical NMR
|October 6, 2011
Summary
Electron microscopy reveals artifacts in cell structures, excluding the Golgi apparatus. This summary details artifacts identified over 30 years and their causes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Microscopy Techniques
Background:
- Electron microscopy (EM) has been crucial for visualizing cellular ultrastructure.
- Artifacts can be introduced during sample preparation and imaging, potentially leading to misinterpretations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize artifacts observed via electron microscopy over the past 30 years.
- To explain the reasons why these observations are considered artifacts.
Main Methods:
- Review of electron microscopy literature from the last three decades.
- Analysis of documented artifacts in cellular components.
Main Results:
- Identified key artifacts in various cellular organelles, with the exception of the Golgi apparatus.
- Detailed the specific causes and appearances of these artifacts.
Conclusions:
- Understanding EM artifacts is critical for accurate interpretation of cellular ultrastructure.
- Awareness of common artifacts improves the reliability of microscopy-based biological research.
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