Ultrastructure

Ultrastructure is the architecture of cells that is visible at higher magnification than found on a standard optical microsope. This level of structure contains many biomolecular complexes and is fundamental to understanding cell function. The study of ultrastructure is called Ultrastructural Pathology. The term ultrastructure is used to describe all structures that can be observed using electron microscopy, including non-biological materials.

History

The term ultrastructure was first used in the early 20th century, and was used to describe the fine detail of biological systems that were observed using the electron microscope. The development of the electron microscope in the 1930s and its application to biological systems in the 1950s led to the discovery of many new structures and the elucidation of many biological processes.

Techniques

The main techniques used in the study of ultrastructure are Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). TEM allows for the observation of the internal structures of cells, while SEM provides detailed images of the surface of cells. Other techniques include Cryo-electron microscopy, which allows for the observation of biological samples at cryogenic temperatures, and Atomic Force Microscopy, which provides three-dimensional images of the surface of cells.

Cellular Ultrastructure

The ultrastructure of a cell refers to the detailed structure of the cell as revealed by the electron microscope. This includes the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, cytoskeleton, and cell membrane. Each of these structures has a specific function and structure that is critical to the function of the cell.

Ultrastructural Pathology

Ultrastructural Pathology is a subspecialty of pathology that focuses on the ultrastructural analysis of cells and tissues to diagnose disease. This can include the identification of viruses, the analysis of kidney disease, and the diagnosis of certain types of cancer.

See Also

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Structural Biology

References

Ultrastructure Resources
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