Biological ultrastructure research; the first 50 years

• Published in: Tissue & cell Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 83 - 94
• Main Authors: Afzelius, Björn A, Maunsbach, Arvid B
• Format: Book Review Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2004
• Subjects: Cell Biology - history; Computer-reconstruction methods; Electron microscope autoradiography; Histochemistry; History, 20th Century; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - trends; Immuno-electron microscopy; Microscopy, Electron - history; Microscopy, Electron - methods; Microscopy, Electron - trends; Specimen preparation techniques; Ultramicrotomy; Specimen preparation techniques; Ultramicrotomy; Electron microscope autoradiography; Immuno-electron microscopy; Histochemistry; Computer-reconstruction methods
• ISSN: 0040-8166; 1532-3072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2003.11.001

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 millenium shift, various cryotechniques have gradually developed. Together with computer-based reconstruction methods they are likely to play increasingly more important roles in the future.