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Carbohydrate cytochemistry by transmission and scanning electron microscopy
Scanning Electron Microscopy
|January 1, 1983
Summary
This study reviews ultrastructural carbohydrate cytochemistry methods. It demonstrates localizing complex carbohydrates using scanning electron microscopy, offering new insights into glycoconjugate distribution.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Microscopy
Background:
- Complex carbohydrates (glycoconjugates) are abundant on cell surfaces and organelles.
- Ultrastructural cytochemistry has revealed their diverse locations and biological significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available methods for ultrastructural carbohydrate cytochemistry.
- To assess the applicability of these methods for demonstrating glycoconjugates using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Main Methods:
- Review of established ultrastructural carbohydrate cytochemistry techniques.
- Application of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) staining methods to SEM.
- Utilizing backscattered electron imaging for localization.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated successful localization of abundant complex carbohydrates in trachea specimens using SEM.
- Validated TEM-based staining methods for SEM-based glycoconjugate visualization.
Conclusions:
- Ultrastructural carbohydrate cytochemistry can be extended to SEM.
- This approach provides valuable insights into glycoconjugate localization and function.