Abstract
The first critical step in any cryoprocedure is the freezing of the tissue, which is sometimes referred to as cryofixation. The outstanding problem in cryofixation is to avoid ice-crystal formation, and great efforts have been invested into solving this problem. The direct methods of freezing include rapid immersion of specimens in heat-conducting coolants kept at a very low temperature, freezing by rapid impact on a cooled metal surface (metal mirror freezing or slam freezing), or exposure to very high pressures and a low temperature (high-pressure freezing). Another approach is to fix the specimen lightly with a chemical fixative and then infiltrate the specimen with an antifreeze substance, such as sucrose or glycerol, before freezing. The frozen specimen can be treated in different ways. It can be observed directly in the electron microscope at a low temperature.
Published Version
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