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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Cell Death01:30

Overview of Cell Death

Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death01:11

Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death

Cell death is the irreversible loss of cellular structure and function, representing the final stage of severe injury. It plays a key role in both normal physiology and disease.Types of Cell DeathThe two main types are necrosis and apoptosis, though others like necroptosis and pyroptosis also exist.Necrosis:Necrosis is an unregulated form of cell death caused by severe injury such as trauma, toxins, or ischemia. It is characterized by cell swelling, membrane loss, rupture, and leakage of...
Immunogold Electron Microscopy01:20

Immunogold Electron Microscopy

Immunoelectron microscopy utilizes immunogold labeling of endogenous proteins with specific antibodies to detect and localize these proteins in cells and tissues. The procedure provides insights into the distribution and quantification of protein under different stimulation conditions offering clues about their functions. Conjugating highly electron-dense gold particles with primary or secondary antibodies allow antigen detection on and within cells, with high resolution and specificity.
Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Necrosis01:16

Necrosis

Necrosis is considered as an “accidental” or unexpected form of cell death that ends in cell lysis. The first noticeable mention of “necrosis” was in 1859 when Rudolf Virchow used this term to describe advanced tissue breakdown in his compilation titled “Cell Pathology”.
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy01:20

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Studying Cell Death Initiation Using a Digital Microscope
06:06

Studying Cell Death Initiation Using a Digital Microscope

Published on: November 10, 2023

Analysis of cell death by electron microscopy.

S Burattini1, E Falcieri

  • 1Department of Earth, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 5, 2013
PubMed
Summary

This study differentiates apoptosis and necrosis, two cell death modes, by detailing their distinct morphological features observed via electron microscopy. Understanding these visual differences aids in classifying cell death pathways.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cell death occurs via distinct mechanisms: apoptosis (regulated) and necrosis (passive).
  • Morphological characterization is crucial for distinguishing these cell death pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the distinct morphological features of apoptosis and necrosis.
  • To illustrate the utility of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in visualizing these differences.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cells undergoing apoptosis and necrosis using TEM.
  • Analysis of cells undergoing apoptosis and necrosis using SEM.

Main Results:

  • TEM revealed intracellular ultrastructural changes, including nuclear alterations, cytoplasmic reorganization, and membrane integrity loss in cell death.
  • SEM identified cell-surface changes like membrane blebbing and microvilli loss, characteristic of specific cell death modes.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct morphological markers visualized by TEM and SEM can differentiate between apoptotic and necrotic cell death.
  • Electron microscopy provides valuable insights into the ultrastructural and surface-level events characterizing different cell death pathways.