The purpose of the Electron Microscopy Facility is to prepare, view, and photograph research specimens for investigators.
Techniques Available
Fixation, staining, embedding, and thin sectioning of samples.
Scanning electron microscopy of whole cells and embryos.
Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry using gold particle-conjugated antibodies as probes for subcellular protein localization. Labeling can be done either on cryosections or on resin embedded samples (lowicryl, LR White), depending on which is more appropriate. Before an EM immunolabeling project can begin, the antibodies must be well characterized with regard to the biochemical specificity of the antigen; the immunolabeling pattern at the light microscopic level; and the kinds of fixatives that allow recognition of the antigen.
Visualization of DNA/DNA, RNA/DNA, protein/nucleic acid duplexes, and statistical analysis.
Services Provided
A moderate number of samples can be processed, photographed, and printed for the research staff. Large numbers of samples or long-term studies can be accommodated by training of staff members individually. Students and fellows are encouraged to work on projects independently.
