Lecture 1 - Microscopy, Staining, Cell Membrane Organelles Flashcards
Resolution
measurable distance b/t 2 points at which they can still be seen as separate
What is the resolution of the human eye?
0.2 mm
____ wavelength = better resolution
Shorter wavelength = better resolution (light < UV < EM)
Light Microscope
light, condenser lens condenses light on specimen, passes through to objective lens, ocular lens enlarges virtual image.
TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)
same as light except cathode emits electrons through sample (done in vacuum)
SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)
electrons reflect off specimen (coat in metal). Get a 3D view of the specimen, shows what’s on the surface of membrane not what’s inside. Resolution is not as good as TEM.
Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
non-optical, cantilever w/ sharp tip dragged along specimen, laser pointed at tip of cantilever and reflect to photodiode (stationary, the stand moves to hit the it)
- bumpy images, very high resolution (can see single DNA molecule, nuclear pore etc.)
- No fixation, can look at living cells; examine dynamic changes
What are the six steps to preparation of samples?
- Fixation: stop metabolism, cross-link proteins to make them inactive, prevents enzymatic degradation, kills pathogens.
- Dehydration: alcohol up to 100%, 70% common; removes fat, mucosa, golgi etc.
- Embedding: allows specimen to be thinly sliced
- Sectioning
- Mounting
- Staining
Fixation for FM v. EM
LM: Formaldehyde
EM: Glutaraldehyde
Embedding for LM v. EM
LM: Paraffin
EM: Epoxy resins
Sectioning LM v. EM
LM: Microtome (metal knife)
EM: Ultra-microtome (diamond/glass)
Mounting LM v. EM
LM: Glass Slide
EM: Copper grid
Staining LM v. EM
LM: Hematoxylin and Eosin
EM: Heavy Metals
What type of dye is Hematoxylin? Types of structures stained?
Basic dye (acidophilic stain)
Stains acidic structures BLUE
Stains DNA, ribosomes, nucleus
What type of dye is Eosin? Types of structures?
Acidic dye (Basophilic stain)
Stains basic structures PINK
Stains cytoplasmic stuff, proteins, protein-filled vesicles
Acidophilic
Loves acid, therefore basic and positively charged (BLUE)
Basophilic
loves base, therefore acidic and negatively charged
PAS (Periodic Acid-Shiff Reaction)
Carbohydrates stain purple. Used to demonstrated glycogen in cells, mucus (goblet cells), basement membrane, and reticular fibers.
- Periodic acid cleaves bond between adjacent carbon atoms to make aldehydes.
- Aldehyde groups react with Schiff reagent.
Mallory’s Trichome
stains connective tissue (collagen – blue)
Toludine Blue
stains mast cells dark blue/purple
Mucicarmine
Stains mucus (pink)
Silver Stain
Stains for reticular fibers