High resolution scanning electron microscopy of isolated and in situ cytoskeletal elements.

Abstract

Evidence is presented that cytoskeletal structures ([rabbit skeletal muscle] actin filaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules) can be resolved by scanning electron microscopy after impregnation of biological material, using thiocarbohydrazide as a ligand, followed by critical-point drying. These different classes of filaments or tubules can be identified both as purified protein polymers and as structured organelles within cryofractured or detergent-extracted cells.