Ultrastructure of marine snow. I. Transmission electron microscopy methodology

Author(s)
Gary G. Leppard, Andreas Heissenberger, Gerhard J. Herndl
Abstract

Four different approaches to determine the ultrastructure of amorphous aggregates and their principal components are evaluated for their ability to resolve structural components as small as 1 nm. Based on extensive comparative analysis, the advantages and major drawbacks of the different methods are discussed. Based on experience with marine snow from the Adriatic Sea, it is concluded that only a combination of fixation and preservation treatments ensures optimal interpretation of the results. Specific emphasis is placed on the use of a hydrophilic resin (Nanoplast®) which allows fixation of highly hydrated polysaccharide fibrils in their original configuration and subsequent visualization on a nm scale.

Organisation(s)
External organisation(s)
Environment and Climate Change Canada, McMaster University
Journal
Marine Ecology Progress Series
Volume
135
Pages
289-298
No. of pages
10
ISSN
0171-8630
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3354/meps135289
Publication date
05-1996
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
106021 Marine biology
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Aquatic Science, Ecology
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 14 - Life Below Water
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/ultrastructure-of-marine-snow-i-transmission-electron-microscopy-methodology(d5b1cc79-9d88-4aee-8617-bb026a5e0857).html