Advanced Techniques in Biological Electron Microscopy [Paperback]

The past decade has seen a remarkable increase in the use of electron microscopy as a researm tool in biology and medicine. Thus, most institu? tions of higher learning now boast several electron optical laboratories having various levels of sophistication. Training in the routine use of elec? tron optical equipment and interpretation of results is no longer restricted to a few prestigious centers. On the other hand, temniques utilized by researm workers in the ultrastructural domain have become extremely diverse and complex. Although a large number of quite excellent volumes of electron microscopic temnique are now dedicated to the basic elements available whim allow the novice to acquire a reasonable introduction to the field, relatively few books have been devoted to a discussion of more ad? vanced temnical aspects of the art. It was with this view that the present volume was conceived as a handy reference for workers already having some background in the field, as an information source for those wishing to shift efforts into more promising temniques, or for use as an advanced course or seminar guide. Subject matter has been mosen particularly on the basis of pertinence to present researm activities in biological electron microscopy and emphasis has been given those areas whim seem destined to greatly expand in useful? ness in the near future.Embedding Media  Old and New.- A. Introduction.- B. Early Embedding Media.- C. Conventional Embedding Media.- D. Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional Embedding Media.- E. New Embedding Media.- F. Conclusion.- References.- Substitution Techniques.- A. Introduction.- B. Inert-dehydration.- C. Freeze-substitution.- D. Conclusions.- References.- Freeze-Etching and Freeze-Fracturing.- A. Introduction.- B. Freezing of Biological Systems.- C. Methods and Instrumentation.- D. Interpretation.- E. Conclusions.- References.- Electron Microscope Autoradiography.- F. A. McHenry.- A. Introduction.- B. Distribution of Developed GrlÓA