In Vivo Microwave-Assisted Labeling of Allium and Drosophila Nuclei

Ultrastructural studies usually require that the sample be sacrificed and the tissue of interest be prepared by specialized fixation procedures. The goal of any given ultrastructural study is to observe and record the distribution and organization of a cellular constituent(s), in a way that most closely represents its in vivo distribution. Chemical fixations with aldehydes or cold solvents are often employed to preserve specimens for ultrastructural studies. However, these studies are only “snapshots” in time of the chemical termination of the sample. There can often be difficulties in interpreting the results, because of the harsh manipulations that chemical fixations can induce upon the specimen. Another practical disadvantage of chemical fixation in the preparation of biological specimens for microscopy is the time required to complete the process.