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Updated: Aug 1, 2026

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Characterization of Calcification Events Using Live Optical and Electron Microscopy Techniques in a Marine Tubeworm
Published on: February 28, 2017
Scanning electron microscopic and X ray microanalysis study of the mineral deposits in pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Abstract:
A skin biopsy of a 37 year old man with typical lesions of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (P.E.) associated with angioid streaks (Groenbald-Strandberg Syndrom) was examined with a scanning E.M. (SEM) and a SEM provided with a X ray micro-analyser. The SEM provided with X ray microanalyser enabled us to see the correspondence between the crystalline deposits and a calcium salt. The potassium, sodium and magnesium analysis of the specimen permits us to verify that the P.E. dermis is rich in K and poor in Mg.
Related Concept Videos
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
X-ray diffraction or XRD is an analytical tool that utilizes X-rays to study ordered structures such as crystalline organic and inorganic samples, polycrystalline materials, proteins, carbohydrates, and drugs.
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
Scanning Electron Microscopy
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
Fundamental Principles
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Fundamental Principles
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