Metal stains for electron microscopy (EM)
Images from the transmission electron microscope are produced by passing a beam of electrons though the tissue, which has been stained with salts of heavy metals, usually lead and uranium. These metals block the passage of the electrons though the section, resulting in dark and light areas in the tissue. Like hematoxylin and eosin, heavy metal staining is a conventional stain. 15,000x
Electron dense >
Areas that bind the metal appear dark and are referred to as electron dense. Where very little of the metal binds, the electrons pass freely through the section, producing a light, or electron lucent area.
Electron lucent
Areas that bind the metal appear dark and are referred to as electron dense. Where very little of the metal binds, the electrons pass freely through the section, producing a light, or electron lucent area.
Nuclear envelope
Areas that bind the metal appear dark and are referred to as electron dense. Where very little of the metal binds, the electrons pass freely through the section, producing a light, or electron lucent area.
Nucleolus
Areas that bind the metal appear dark and are referred to as electron dense. Where very little of the metal binds, the electrons pass freely through the section, producing a light, or electron lucent area.
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