|
|
|
Cell structure - Plasma membrane - Cell junctions - Gap junction - Freeze-Etch Technique
Freeze-Etch Technique
|
|
|
|
| Description |
The freeze-etch technique allows analysis of structures in their natural dimensions under the electron microscope.
In this picture, we examine a fracture through a gap junction. It consists of transmembrane proteins, the connexins, which combine to form individual channels, the connexons. The connexons of two adjacent cells form a channel that connects the two cells. Several hundred such channels form a gap junction.
If the tissue is frozen and broken open with a knife, the break surfaces pass through the middle of the membrane and along the protein surfaces. A thin layer of platinum is evaporated onto the break surface and is reinforced by a carbon film. Subsequently, the organic material is dissolved away. The remaining imprint is viewed under the electron microscope.
This break shows a membrane layer with connexons that remained in position at the left and a membrane layer where the connexons have been pulled out at the right.
Duration: 01:25 min
|
| |
|
|
Sources
|
1. Intercellular Communication via Gap junctions; HÜLSER, DIETER, F., Stuttgart. Publ. 1987. IWF, Göttingen: C 1624.
2. BEREITER-HAHN, JÜRGEN; PETERS, WINFRIED S.: The Cell - Inner Boundaries - Membranes and Transport. CD-ROM C 7102. MMcD, Düsseldorf; interActive Systems iAS, Marburg, Berlin; IWF, Göttingen, 2002.
|
|
Abbreviations
|
| |
|
|
Order |
This video is part of the CD-ROM The Cell - Inner Boundaries - Membranes and Transport. You can order it at the IWF Knowledge and Media gGmbH.
Also available as clip.
Order no.:
C 12774
|
|
| |
|
|
Start of page