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Updated: Jun 5, 2025
Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 9, 2016
Advancing yeast cell analysis: A cryomethod for serial block-face scanning electron microscopy imaging in
Corinne Blancard1, Fanny Decoeur2, Stéphane Duvezin-Caubet1
1University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC, Bordeaux, France.
Background Information:
Conventional Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis of biological samples often provides limited insights due to its inherent two-dimensional (2D) nature. This limitation hampers a comprehensive understanding of the three-dimensional (3D) complexity of cellular structures, occasionally leading to misinterpretations. Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy emerges as a powerful method for acquiring high-resolution 3D images of cellular volumes. By iteratively removing ultrathin sample sections and capturing images of each newly exposed surface, Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy allows for the meticulous reconstruction of a comprehensive 3D volume.
Results:
In this study, we investigate the 3D architecture of altered mitochondrial morphologies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy imaging. We have developed a novel cryomethod based on plunge freezing and a dedicated freeze-substitution protocol.
Conclusion:
This protocol enhances ultrastructural preservation enabling a more accurate understanding of mitochondrial defects observed in 2D electron microscopy.
Significance:
Our findings underscore the utility of Serial block-face scanning electron microscopy coupled with optimized sample preparation techniques in elucidating complex cellular structures in 3D.
