Biological Electron Microscopy: Theory, Techniques, and Troubleshooting

This text was designed for an introductory one-semester course in biological electron microscopy and is intended to provide an introduction to all of the major technical approaches for sample preparation and instrumentation utilization to answer cytological questions. It covers conventional light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, intermediate and high voltage transmission electron microscopy, digital imaging and telemedicine, cryotechniques, fixation protocols, cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry, photography and photomicroscopy. The text is organized with a survey of each subject, and a techniques section, where appropriate, with tried-and-true methods that will produce publishable results. The theory behind various technical approaches is provided to help the reader troubleshoot problems. While the techniques sections are not meant to be encyclopaedic, they should serve as a broadly applicable starting point for a variety of approaches to cytological research.

Table of Contents:
1 Specimen Preparation for Electron Microscopy.- 1 Techniques.- 2 Cryotechniques.- 2 Techniques.- 3 Ultramicrotomy.- 3 Techniques.- 4.- 4 Techniques.- 5.- 5 Techniques.- 6.- 6 Techniques.- 7 Support Films.- 7 Techniques.- 8 Replicas, Shadowing, and Negative Staining.- 8 Techniques.- 9 Transmission Electron Microscopy.- 10 Vacuum Systems.- 11 High-Voltage Transmission Electron Microscopes (HVEM).- 12 Intermediate Voltage Electron Microscopes (IVEM), Electron Tomography, and Single-Particle Electron Microscopy.- 13 Scanning Electron Microscopy.- 13 Techniques.- 14.- 15 Photography.- 15 Techniques.- 16 Digital Imaging and Telemedicine.- 17 Morphometry and Stereology.- 18 Photomicroscopy.- 18 Techniques.- 19 Laboratory Safety.- 20 General Sources for Information Concerning Microscopy.- 21.- Appendix A Computing Micrometer Bar Sizes.- Appendix B Calibrating the TEM and the SEM.- I. Transmission Electron Microscope.- II. Scanning Electron Microscope.- Appendix C Materials and Methods Write-Up Suggestions for Standard TEM and SEM Preparations.- I. Materials and Methods for Routine TEM Preparation.- II. Materials and Methods for Routine SEM Preparation.

Review :
"In this second edition of his 1992 hardcover text and 1993 spiral-bound lab manual on Biological Electron Microscopy, Michael Dykstra has expended considerable effort to merge the two earlier volumes into a more readable and usable single volume and also to update them and add considerable new material. Happily, the result is a first rate, comprehensive book that will be useful for both teaching beginning students and as a reference book for experienced researchers. In all chapters, new materials have been added in the text and referenced at the chapter ends, and where appropriate, useful web sites have been indicated where additional information may be obtained. All of the excellent illustrative photographs from the first edition have been retained. As before, the chapters on microscope construction and operation are very well done and will be invaluable in teaching. Cautionary statements are made throughout about handling and disposal of the hazardous materials used in EM labs. Relevant journals, societies, and equipment suppliers are listed in appendices. In general, this single volume is a welcome addition to the literature available on biological microscopy. Its publication offers support for the idea that microscopy in all of its guises is still a dynamic and valuable tool for all biologists." (Henry C. Aldrich, Professor Emeritus of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville)