This proposal requests funds to set up a freeze-fracture system for vitrified biological samples. The system consists of a controlled environment vitrification system (CEVS) which will allow a rapid freezing of samples equilibrated at a controlled environment of temperature and humidity, and a system of freeze-fracture-etch device. The CEVS will be constructed at the University. The freeze-fracture-etch device will be purchased from Balzers, Inc. The system will be used to study the phase diagram of phosphatidylethanolamine liposomes (Huang), architecture of the microemulsions (Magid), symbionic vesicle structures (Jeon), metal implants in bone tissue (Joy), and the mechanism of flagellum motility (Joy). The system will be maintained and operated as part of the University of Tennessee Electron Microscopy Facility. Full-time personnel are available at the Facility to assist the investigators.
