Soft X-ray diffraction microscopy of a frozen hydrated yeast cell

Phys Rev Lett. 2009 Nov 6;103(19):198101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.198101. Epub 2009 Nov 5.

Abstract

We report the first image of an intact, frozen hydrated eukaryotic cell using x-ray diffraction microscopy, or coherent x-ray diffraction imaging. By plunge freezing the specimen in liquid ethane and maintaining it below -170 degrees C, artifacts due to dehydration, ice crystallization, and radiation damage are greatly reduced. In this example, coherent diffraction data using 520 eV x rays were recorded and reconstructed to reveal a budding yeast cell at a resolution better than 25 nm. This demonstration represents an important step towards high resolution imaging of cells in their natural, hydrated state, without limitations imposed by x-ray optics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Freezing*
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology*
  • Water / metabolism*
  • X-Ray Diffraction / methods*

Substances

  • Water