Publication:
Freeze-fracture cytochemistry,a new fracture-labeling method for topological analysis of biomembrane molecules

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Authors
Takizawa, T. ; Robinson, J.M.
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Publisher
Murcia : F. Hernández
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DOI
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info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Description
Abstract
Freeze-fracture cytochemistry allows visualization of cellular and molecular characteristics of biomembranes in situ. In this review, we discuss freezefracture cytochemistry with special reference to a new cytochemical labeling of replicas, the detergentdigestion fracture-labeling technique. In this procedure, unfixed cells are rapidly-frozen, freeze-fractured, and physically stabilized by evaporated platinum/carbon. The frozen cells are then removed from the freezefracture apparatus to thaw and are subsequently treated with detergents. After detergent-digestion, replicas are labeled with cytochemical markers. We demonstrate that the technique is a versatile tool for direct analysis of the macromolecular architecture of biomembranes and allows identification of particular intracellular membrane organelles. In addition, we demonstrate the application of ultrasmall gold to freeze-fracture immunocytochemistry. Freeze-fracture cytochemistry is a valuable technique for investigating topology and dynamics of membrane molecules.
Citation
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