Definition: Preparation for electron microscopy of minute replicas of exposed surfaces of the cell which have been ruptured in the frozen state. The specimen is frozen, then cleaved under high vacuum at the same temperature. The exposed surface is shadowed with carbon and platinum and coated with carbon to obtain a carbon replica.
do not confuse with FREEZE ETCHING (wherein no cryoprotectant is used)
ExamplesFreeze Etching
Other names Freeze Fracturings; Fracturings, Freeze; Fracturing, Freeze
