Preparation of coenocytes for freeze-etching.

Successful freeze-etching of a coenocyte has been accomplished with glutaraldehyde stabilization followed by infiltration with cryoprotectant. Hyphae of the coenocytic water mold Achlya were stabilized with 5% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer. Gradual infiltration by dropwise addition of the cryoprotectant (25% glycerol, 10% ethylene glycol, distilled water, v/v) is accomplished over a period of 8-10 hr on a shaker. Subsequent freeze-etching is carried out by standard procedures.