Conventional transmission electron microscopy

Researchers have used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to make contributions to cell biology for well over 50 years, and TEM continues to be an important technology in our field. We briefly present for the neophyte the components of a TEM-based study, beginning with sample preparation through imaging of the samples. We point out the limitations of TEM and issues to be considered during experimental design. Advanced electron microscopy techniques are listed as well. Finally, we point potential new users of TEM to resources to help launch their project.

Self-Accommodation Morphology in Ti-Nb-Al Shape Memory Alloy

The self-accommodation microstructure of a -titanium shape memory alloy (SMA) was investigated by conventional transmission electron microscopy (CTEM) observation. There were two distinct minimum units for the self-accommodation microstructure. One was the V-shaped pair of two habit plane variants that were bounded by the {111}TypeI twin as reported in some previous studies. The other was the bundle of the two habit plane variants that were bounded by the <211>TypeII twin. The later one had not been recognized as the self-accommodation microstructure in -titanium SMAs.

Ultrastructure of the Epithelial Cells Associated with Tooth Biomineralization in the Chiton Acanthopleura hirtosa

The cusp epithelium is a specialized branch of the superior epithelium that surrounds the developing teeth of chitons and is responsible for delivering the elements required for the formation of biominerals within the major lateral teeth. These biominerals are deposited within specific regions of the tooth in sequence, making it possible to conduct a row by row examination of cell development in the cusp epithelium as the teeth progress from the unmineralized to the mineralized state. Cusp epithelium from the chiton Acanthopleura hirtosa was prepared using conventional chemical and microwave assisted tissue processing, for observation by light microscopy, conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy filtered TEM. The onset of iron mineralization within the teeth, initiated at row 13, is associated with a number of dramatic changes in the ultrastructure of the apical cusp cell epithelium. Specifically, the presence of ferritin containing siderosomes, the position and number of mitochondria, and the structure of the cell microvilli are each linked to aspects of the mineralization process. These changes in tissue development are discussed in context with their influence over the physiological conditions within both the cells and extracellular compartment of the tooth at the onset of iron mineralization.