The electron microscopy unit collaborates with research groups in Alnarp and other universities in Sweden and abroad, and also with companies and industry. Using light and electron microscopy we study both structure and localization of substances in biological samples, especilly in plant material. Immunomicroscopy, i.e. using antibodies in studying localization of biomolecules, is included in our methods.
Light microscopy (LM) gives an overview of the material and helps to choose samples for more detailed investigation by electron microscopy. One of our research light microscope is a Leica DMBL, which is equipped for fluorescence microscopy as well. Two digital cameras Leica DC200 and DC300 are available. We also have a stereo microscope with photo equipment. A confocal microscope Zeiss LSM 510 Meta is available at the Chemical Ecology Unit (contact person: Rickard Ignell).
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used for intracellular studies where ultrathin sample sections (approx. 70 nm) from fixed and plastic embedded material, e.g. leaves, roots and seeds, are analyzed. This is the most time-consuming of our methods. TEM can also be used for identification of plant viruses, which is a relatively quick method. We have a conventional TEM, Jeol JEM-1010.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) gives topographic information of the surface of the sample. SEM is especially well suited for structural studies of seeds, pollen, starch, callus, leaves, soil particles, paper, algae and insects. With our digital LEO 435VP samples can be analyzed conventionally with high acceleration voltage in high vacuum, but also fresh water-containing material can be studied by varying the acceleration voltage and vacuum.
Photography, conventional as well as digital, can be performed on any material, indoors and outdoors. Black and white film developing can be done, but no printing of negatives. Instead we offer high resolution scanning both of negatives of different sizes and diapositives. For high quality printing we have a solid ink printer, Phaser 8560, calibrated by LaCie Blue Eye technology.