Biological ultrastructure research; the first 50 years.
The second half of the 20th century has witnessed the birth and growth of biological ultrastructure research--a branch of cell biology in which electron microscopy plays an important role. After a humble start in around 1950, when only a limited arsenal of instrumentation was available, a wealth of auxiliary methodologies were developed and gradually put in use. Here we review these techniques: ultramicrotomy of "optimally" fixed and prepared samples, histochemical methods such as immuno-electron microscopy and electron microscope autoradiography, negative staining techniques, freeze-fracturing and other techniques. Closer to the millennium shift, various cryotechniques have gradually developed. Together with computer-based reconstruction methods they are likely to play increasingly more important roles in the future.
Afzelius
Björn A
BA
Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden. bjorn.afzelius@zub.su.se
Maunsbach
Arvid B
AB
D003585:Cell Biology / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000639:trends; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000266:history* / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*