Embedding and Staining Small Nematodes for Electron Microscopy

Abstract

INVESTIGATIONS of the ultrastructure of nematodes have been restricted to the cuticle¹, testes², eggs³ and muscles⁴ of Ascaris spp., the intestine of Ankylostoma caninum⁵, the cuticle of Strongylus equinus⁶ and the cyst wall of Heterodera rostochiensis⁷. The detail of internal structures of small plant-parasitic or free-living nematodes is just beyond the resolving power of the light microscope and workers interested in the examination of these organisms are forced to speculate on the probable physiological activity of areas or organs the detailed structure of which they cannot properly perceive. Despite the obvious need for examination of these organisms under the electron microscope, little progress has been made.