A method for rapid fixation and dehydration of nematode tissue for transmission electron microscopy

A method is described using a microwave oven and acidified 2,2-dimethoxypropane to fix and dehydrate nematode tissue rapidly in preparation for transmission electron microscopy. Nematode tissue prepared using this method is well preserved compared with tissue fixed by conventional methods. The technique also enabled fixation of unhatched nematodes in the egg, a process that is almost impossible to achieve using conventional methods of fixation. Using the method described, differences were found between the cuticles of different nematode stages.