[Modern electron microscopy at cellular and macromolecular levels. Strategies for preparation, imaging and image interpretation].

Conventional electron microscopy has significantly contributed to the understanding of structure-function relationships in living systems on cellular and macromolecular levels. New approaches and strategies will provide further insight into the organization of life. These new developments include cryopreparation and imaging techniques, X-ray microanalysis on frozen samples, electron energy loss spectroscopy, electron spectroscopic imaging, electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, preparation and imaging of ordered two-dimensional arrays of macromolecules, and computer image analysis and reconstruction. The techniques are described. Selected examples illustrate potential and limitations of these approaches and strategies.