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Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to determine the 3D structure of biological samples with the help of techniques such as electron microscope tomography and single-particle reconstruction. While single-particle reconstruction can examine macromolecules and macromolecular complexes in vitro conditions only, tomography permits the study of cell components or small cells in vivo.
Electron Tomography
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Electron Cryotomography of Bacterial Cells

Electron Cryotomography of Bacterial Cells

Published on: May 6, 2010

Electron tomography of cells.

Lu Gan¹, Grant J Jensen

¹Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.

Quarterly Reviews of Biophysics

|November 16, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Electron tomography provides the highest resolution 3D imaging of cells, revealing molecular organization. Future technologies promise even greater insights into structural cell biology.

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Last Updated: May 27, 2026

Electron Cryotomography of Bacterial Cells

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Published on: May 6, 2010

Visualization of Organelles In Situ by Cryo-STEM Tomography

Visualization of Organelles In Situ by Cryo-STEM Tomography

Published on: June 23, 2023

Cryo-Electron Tomography Remote Data Collection and Subtomogram Averaging

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Published on: July 12, 2022

Area of Science:

Structural biology
Cell biology
Microscopy

Background:

Electron microscopy has been crucial for understanding biological structure for 80 years.
Recent advances enable electron tomography as the premier 3D imaging technique for cellular structures.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the application of electron tomography in revealing cellular molecular organization.
To discuss the potential of current and future technologies in structural cell biology.

Main Methods:

Electron tomography involves imaging cells using either plastic-embedded or frozen-hydrated methods.
A series of projection images are acquired and computationally reconstructed into a 3D tomogram.

Main Results:

Electron tomography has begun to elucidate the intricate molecular organization within cells.
This technique offers unprecedented detail for unique biological specimens.

Conclusions:

Electron tomography is a powerful tool for high-resolution 3D imaging of cells.
Technological advancements will further enhance our understanding of structural cell biology.