The next logical step is to gain access to the newly discovered organisms. We have developed a new combination of the modified 18S rRNA, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methodologies (Stoeck et al. 2003b). This combination allows identification of target cells by FISH, followed by fine quality SEM studies, with both performed on the same microscopic preparations (and indeed on the same cell). This opens a way to conduct proper morphological studies of organisms known today only from their molecular signatures in the environment. The high quality of SEM images that this technique affords is illustrated by the pictures of various protists given below.
