Freeze fracture electron microscopy, Biology

Assignment Help:

Freeze Fracture Electron Microscopy

Freeze fracture electron microscopy i a technique lo reveal the surface features of hydrophobic interior of cell membrane. In this technique, the cells/tissues are first frozen in liquid freon at - 179°C. The frozen block is cut with a cold knife blade alongwith the planes of weakness, run through each cell. Generally, these planes occur between the two layers of lipid molecules of the membrane. The plane of fracture at these places exposes the interior of a plasma membrane (Figure shown below).

1017_freeze microscopy.jpg


The newly exposed faces of a plasma membrane, the exoplasrnic fracture face (EF) and the protoplasmic fracture face (PF) are covered with a very thin layer of platinum by dissolving away the organic material. The freshly fractured membrane may be covered with platinum and carbon to dtain replicas (exact copies) of the surface and this is observed under a TEM. This technique demonstrates that intercellular junctions (where cells make contact with each other) are composed of specilaised membrane protein.


Related Discussions:- Freeze fracture electron microscopy

Nutrition, You will be learning about vitamins and minerals (micronutrients...

You will be learning about vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) over a 2 week span. Remember phytochemicals from the Controversy section of chapter 2? They are not vitamins, b

Choline, CHOLINE Found in egg liver & kidney. Synthesized in body...

CHOLINE Found in egg liver & kidney. Synthesized in body with acetyle coA. It forms acetylcholine. Deficiency causes damage to kidney.

Cardiac cycle, The term cardiac cycle means one pumping cycle which consist...

The term cardiac cycle means one pumping cycle which consists of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) of both the atria and both ventricles. Both the atria contract at t

Classification, what is the kingdom,phylum,class,age of gastropoda

what is the kingdom,phylum,class,age of gastropoda

Taxonomy, what is the taxonomic classification for the protist Archaeplasti...

what is the taxonomic classification for the protist Archaeplastida?

Disorder of adrenal function, Disorder  of Adrenal Function: The diso...

Disorder  of Adrenal Function: The disorders of  adrenal function may lead  to acute and chronic  .adrenocortical insufficiency. Let  us briefly  describe each  one as follows

Enzymes, Biological catalysts à speed up chemical reactions in the body wit...

Biological catalysts à speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process Reduce the activation energy needed for reactants to reach the transit

Which term explains flow characteristic of blood, Which of the below terms ...

Which of the below terms is used to explain the study of factors which influence flow characteristics of blood as it moves through the body? Is it: a) Anginology b) Hemodyna

Why is it important to be familiar with the laboratory, Why is it important...

Why is it important to be familiar with the laboratory apparatus and their uses? If you do not use instruments or lab apparatuses correctly (or use an apparatus for something i

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd