Visualization of the membrane bound cytoskeleton and coated pits of plant cells by means of dry cleaving

Summary A technique allowing the visualization of the membrane bound cytoskeleton of differentiating cells in root tips is described. The technique, called dry cleaving, consists in cleaving critical point dried cells on grids by means of adhesive tape. The preparations show a three-dimensional cytoskeletal network of 5–10nm filaments and microtubules resembling the membrane bound cytoskeleton of animal cells. In addition, many coated pits and vesicles can be observed on the membrane.Abbreviations EM electron microscope/electron microscopy - GA glutaraldehyde - PBS phosphate buffer saline - PFA paraformaldehyde