Transmission electron microscopy of thin sections of Drosophila: Preparation of embryos using n-heptane and glutaraldehyde

Kent L. McDonald, David J. Sharp, Wayne Rickoll

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This protocol describes the simultaneous permeabilization of Drosophila embryos with n-heptane and initial fixation with glutaraldehyde. Even though the vitelline membrane around the embryo is chemically permeabilized, it must be manually removed to achieve infiltration with embedding resins. Once the embryo is embedded, it can be sectioned for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This procedure can produce excellent preservation for ultrastructural analysis, and is useful for situations where optimal preservation (e.g., by high-pressure freezing) is not required or is not feasible.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1100-1103
Number of pages4
JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols
Volume7
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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