TEM Imaging of Membrane Choreography During Mitosis of Drosophila Tissue Culture Cells.

Schneider 2 (S2) cells are one of the most widely used Drosophila cell lines, and are specifically suitable for genetic dissection of biological processes by RNA interference. We have recently developed a method that allows an easy preparation of samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of S2 cells. This method is based on the collection and pelleting of the cells in test tubes, followed by fixation and staining of pellets in the same tubes. Pellets are then embedded in resin and used to prepare ultrathin sections for TEM observation. Our Method allows clear visualization of the complex membrane transformations that characterize mitosis in S2 cells. It also allows precise analysis of microtubule behavior during the different mitotic phases. Although the method was specifically developed for S2 cells, our preliminary results indicate that it can be successfully applied to other types of Drosophila tissue culture cells.