MeSH definition : A replica technique in which cells are frozen to a very low temperature and cracked
with a knife blade to expose the interior surfaces of the cells or cell membranes.
The cracked cell surfaces are then freeze-dried to expose their constituents. The
surfaces are now ready for shadowing to be viewed using an electron microscope. This
method differs from freeze-fracturing in that no cryoprotectant is used and, thus,
allows for the sublimation of water during the freeze-drying process to etch the surfaces.;
MeSH synonym : etching, freeze;
MeSH annotation : do not confuse with FREEZE FRACTURING (wherein a cryoprotectant is used);
A replica technique in which cells are frozen to a very low temperature and cracked
with a knife blade to expose the interior surfaces of the cells or cell membranes.
The cracked cell surfaces are then freeze-dried to expose their constituents. The
surfaces are now ready for shadowing to be viewed using an electron microscope. This
method differs from freeze-fracturing in that no cryoprotectant is used and, thus,
allows for the sublimation of water during the freeze-drying process to etch the surfaces.
Allowable qualifiers