JUN 29, 2021 11:00 AM PDT

Advancing Cellular Ultrastructure Research with Freeze-Fracture and Freeze-Etching

Sponsored by: Leica Microsystems
Speakers

Event Date & Time
Date:  June 29, 2021
Time: 11:00am (PDT),  02:00pm (EDT)
Abstract
Freeze-fracture and freeze-etching are useful tools for studying flexible membrane-associated structures such as tight junctions or the enteric glycocalyx. Freeze-fracture and etching are two complementary methods for exposing membrane associated macromolecules, by means of sample vitrification for the preservation of targeted structure and then breaking a frozen specimen to reveal internal structures. Freeze etching is a follow-up step in which surface ice sublimates under vacuum to reveal further details. In these techniques, coating with metal or carbon enables the sample to be imaged in a cryo-SEM directly or in a TEM as a replica film. This pair of techniques is used to investigate cell organelles, membranes, layers and emulsions and is particularly useful for flexible structures that are not resolved by conventional or cryo-electron microscopy.
 
The ultimate resolution of these techniques is determined by how well the biological surface is replicated. Amorphous carbon replicas far better replicate biologic details than conventional metal coatings and using phase-contrast electron microscopy, provide unparalleled insight into these elusive cellular components.
 
Learning Objectives
  • Outline the basic methodology of Freeze-Fracture and Freeze-Etch techniques
  • Discuss the role of the enterocyte glycocalyx and similar extracellular structures in situ
  • Illustrate how to optimize these replica techniques for maximum biological detail
 
 
Webinars will be available for unlimited on-demand viewing after live event.
 
LabRoots is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E. ® Program. By attending this webinar, you can earn 1 Continuing Education credit once you have viewed the webinar in its entirety.

You May Also Like
Loading Comments...