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Related Concept Videos

Transmission Electron Microscopy01:15

Transmission Electron Microscopy

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In 1931, physicist Ernst Ruska—building on the idea that magnetic fields can direct an electron beam just as lenses can direct a beam of light in an optical microscope—developed the first prototype of the electron microscope. This development led to the development of the field of electron microscopy. In the transmission electron microscope (TEM), electrons are produced by a hot tungsten element and accelerated by a potential difference in an electron gun, which gives them up to 400...
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Overview of Electron Microscopy01:25

Overview of Electron Microscopy

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The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.
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Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction01:07

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

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Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to determine the 3D structure of biological samples with the help of techniques such as electron microscope tomography and single-particle reconstruction. While single-particle reconstruction can examine macromolecules and macromolecular complexes in vitro conditions only, tomography permits the study of cell components or small cells in vivo.
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...
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Scanning Electron Microscopy01:07

Scanning Electron Microscopy

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A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
Fundamental Principles
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Overview of Microscopy Techniques01:22

Overview of Microscopy Techniques

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The early pioneers of microscopy opened a window into the invisible world of microorganisms. In 1830, Joseph Jackson Lister created an essentially modern light microscope. The 20th century saw the development of microscopes that leveraged nonvisible light, such as fluorescence microscopy that uses an ultraviolet light source and electron microscopy that uses short-wavelength electron beams. These advances significantly improved magnification, image resolution, and contrast. By comparison, the...
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Immunogold Electron Microscopy01:20

Immunogold Electron Microscopy

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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.
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Updated: May 3, 2026

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Tomography in Virology: 3D Imaging of High-pressure Frozen, Freeze-substituted Samples
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Conventional transmission electron microscopy.

Mark Winey1, Janet B Meehl, Eileen T O'Toole

  • 1Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309 Boulder Laboratory for 3D Electron Microscopy of Cells, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309.

Molecular Biology of the Cell
|February 1, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a vital tool in cell biology research. This guide introduces TEM basics, from sample preparation to advanced techniques, aiding new researchers in experimental design and resource utilization.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy

Background:

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been integral to cell biology for over 50 years.
  • TEM remains a critical technology for scientific investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an introductory overview of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for new researchers.
  • To guide users through the essential components of a TEM-based study, including sample preparation and imaging.
  • To highlight TEM limitations and considerations for experimental design, alongside advanced techniques.

Main Methods:

  • Overview of sample preparation techniques for TEM.
  • Explanation of imaging processes in TEM.
  • Listing of advanced electron microscopy methods.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key components and steps in a TEM study.
  • Discussion of limitations and critical factors in experimental design.
  • Compilation of resources for new TEM users.

Conclusions:

  • TEM is an established and important technique in cell biology.
  • This guide serves as a foundational resource for initiating TEM research projects.
  • Understanding TEM principles and resources is crucial for successful experimental design and execution.