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Related Concept Videos

Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

Studying the Cytoskeleton

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The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
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Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

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Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
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The Structure of Intermediate Filaments01:19

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The intermediate filaments are one of three widely studied cytoskeletal filaments. They are so named as their diameter (10 nm) is in between that of microfilaments (7 nm) and the microtubules (25 nm).  These filaments are highly stable and can remain intact when exposed to high salt concentrations and detergents. These filaments are responsible for providing stability and mechanical support to the cells. They also help in cell adhesion and maintaining tissue integrity.
Intermediate...
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Formation of Intermediate Filaments00:57

Formation of Intermediate Filaments

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Intermediate filaments are cytoskeletal proteins with higher tensile strength and flexibility than microfilaments and microtubules. Unlike the other two cytoskeletal proteins, intermediate filament formation lacks the enzymatic activity to hydrolyze nucleotides like ATP and GTP to generate energy for polymerization. Therefore, the formation of intermediate filaments is multistep self-assembly. The involvement of any accessory proteins in intermediate filament formation has not yet been...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Fundamental Technical Elements of Freeze-fracture/Freeze-etch in Biological Electron Microscopy
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Fundamental Technical Elements of Freeze-fracture/Freeze-etch in Biological Electron Microscopy

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Microfilaments in pores between frozen-etched sieve elements.

R P Johnson1

  • 1Department of Botany, University of Aberdeen, St. Machar Drive, Old Aberdeen, Scotland.

Planta
|February 13, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Freeze-etching electron microscopy reveals sieve tube filaments potentially present normally in plant sieve pores. Glycerol treatment compacted these filaments, suggesting cellular changes affect their structure.

Area of Science:

  • Plant Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Microscopy Techniques

Background:

  • Sieve tubes are essential for long-distance transport in plants.
  • Previous studies using chemical fixation showed sieve-pore filaments, but their native state was uncertain.
  • The structure and presence of sieve-pore filaments require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the native structure of sieve-pore filaments using freeze-etching.
  • To determine if filaments observed in chemically fixed sieve pores are artifacts or natural structures.
  • To assess the effect of cryoprotectants like glycerol on sieve element and filament morphology.

Main Methods:

  • Plant material was prepared for electron microscopy using freeze-etching.
  • Sieve tubes were examined before and after treatment with glycerol.

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  • Comparative analysis of filament distribution and compaction in sieve pores.

    • Main Results:

    • Freeze-etching revealed structures interpreted as filaments in and near sieve plate pores.
    • Filaments appeared more numerous and compacted in sieve pores of glycerol-treated sieve elements compared to those only frozen.
    • Glycerol-treated sieve elements showed signs of plasmolysis, indicating cellular dehydration.
    • No evidence of membrane-bound transcellular strands was found in sieve plate pores.

    Conclusions:

    • The presence of filaments in freeze-etched sieve pores supports their natural occurrence.
    • Glycerol treatment alters sieve element and filament morphology, potentially by inducing dehydration and compaction.
    • Freeze-etching provides a more reliable method for visualizing native sieve tube structures compared to chemical fixation.