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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography
Published on: March 12, 2017
Special specimen preparation methods for image processing in transmission electron microscopy: a review
Journal of Microscopy
|August 1, 1978
Summary
Researchers review in vitro formation of viral crystalline arrays. This technique enhances image analysis in electron microscopy for studying virus assembly and dissociation.
Area of Science:
- Quantitative electron microscopy
- Biophysical imaging techniques
Background:
- Image analysis of electron micrographs is crucial for quantitative microscopy.
- Current methods often analyze isolated biological structures with negative stains.
- Limited naturally occurring specimens exhibit crystalline features suitable for high-resolution analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review in vitro formation of crystalline and paracrystalline arrays from purified viruses.
- To discuss challenges in preparing 2D and 3D crystalline arrays.
- To explore extending negative staining for studying viral component dynamics.
Main Methods:
- In vitro formation of crystalline and paracrystalline arrays from purified isometric, filamentous, and rod-like viruses.
- Application of optical and computer imaging methods to electron micrographs.
- Utilizing negative staining with carbon film techniques.
Main Results:
- Successful in vitro formation of ordered viral arrays from various virus types.
- Identification of preparative challenges for producing 2D and 3D crystalline structures.
- Demonstrated potential for studying dynamic viral assembly/dissociation processes.
Conclusions:
- In vitro formation of viral crystalline arrays offers a viable alternative to limited natural specimens.
- Advanced image processing techniques can be applied to these arrays for detailed structural analysis.
- The negative staining-carbon film method can be adapted to observe dynamic viral processes.
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