X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy studies of frozen erythrocyte membrane preparations.

Well-defined X-ray diffraction patterns have been recorded from erythrocyte membranes in the frozen state. At -40 degrees C, lamellar periodicities range from 19 to 95 nm depending on the glycerol content (0--40%, respectively). Freeze-fracture electon micrographs of samples frozen in two stages to approximate to the diffraction conditions show ice formation external to membrane stacks. The membrane stacks have periodicities of the same order of magnitude as those obtained by X-ray diffraction.