Scanning electron microscope image of Strongylocentrotus drobachiensus [sea urchin] at the gastrula stage. Embryo was cut in half to reveal blastocoel cavity, containing blastocoel matrix material, primary mesenchyme cells and secondary mesenchyme cells migrating from the tip of the archenteron. This image is part of a group of SEM images of sea urchin embryos at various stages of development. The group is available as CIL:39782-39791.
Biological Process: Cell migration, Embryonic morphogenesis
Images taken on a JEOL 35C SEM. Processing protocol: 1. 2% GTA in 75% MBL SW or FilteredSW FSW - fix for 1.5hrs. RT. 2. Rinse with 0.1M NaCacodylate buffer pH 7.4 3. 0.5% OSO4 in .075M NaCacodylate buffer pH 7.4 - 30' in the cold 4. Rinse in 0.1M NaCacodylate buffer ph 7.4 5. Dehydrate thru ETOH: 30%, 50%, 70%, 95% for 5 min each 6. 100% - 3 changes - 15' each 7. Critical Point Dry 8. Stick embryos down onto silver paint. Gently crack open with glass needle (pipette drawn out to a fine point). 9. Sputter coat with AuPd.
Author: Louisa Howard
Source: The Cell: An Image Library
