Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 9, 2016
Serial-section electron microscopy using automated tape-collecting ultramicrotome (ATUM)
Valentina Baena1, Richard Lee Schalek2, Jeff William Lichtman2
1Deparment of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States.
Abstract:
The Automated Tape-Collecting Ultramicrotome (ATUM) is a tape-reeling device that is placed in a water-filled diamond knife boat to collect serial sections as they are cut by a conventional ultramicrotome. The ATUM can collect thousands of sections of many different shapes and sizes, which are subsequently imaged by a scanning electron microscope. This method has been used for large-scale connectomics projects of mouse brain, and is well suited for other smaller-scale studies of tissues, cells, and organisms. Here, we describe basic procedures for preparing a block for ATUM sectioning, handling of the ATUM, tape preparation, post-treatment of sections, and considerations for mapping, imaging, and aligning the serial sections.
Related Concept Videos
Errors in Taping
Overview of Electron Microscopy
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Immunogold Electron Microscopy
Cryo-electron Microscopy

