Electron microscopy

Transmission electron microscopy is when samples are placed in a vacuum and bombarded with electrons to generate EM images. A variety of approaches have been developed to maximise specimen stability under these conditions whilst preserving as much of their original state as possible.

The information below explains how various techniques are used to achieve high-resolution 2-D and 3-D images and models.

How does the Transmission Electron Microscope work? scientist using an electron microscope

How does the Transmission Electron Microscope work?

Read about how a transmission electron microscope (TEM) captures images of samples.

Fixation magnified mitochondria

Fixation

Find out about the various techniques of fixation.

Sample preparation Scientist preparing a sample with pipette

Sample preparation

Find out about the best way to prepare samples in order to preserve their structure.

Cryo-techniques microscope image of bacteria

Cryo-techniques

Read about how specimens are fixed to preserve them as close to their physiological state as possible.

Negative staining electron microscope image

Negative staining

Find out how negative staining helps to preserve structural details of specimens