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Updated: May 27, 2026

Electron Cryotomography of Bacterial Cells
Published on: May 6, 2010
Electron tomography of cells
1Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
Abstract:
The electron microscope has contributed deep insights into biological structure since its invention nearly 80 years ago. Advances in instrumentation and methodology in recent decades have now enabled electron tomography to become the highest resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique available for unique objects such as cells. Cells can be imaged either plastic-embedded or frozen-hydrated. Then the series of projection images are aligned and back-projected to generate a 3D reconstruction or 'tomogram'. Here, we review how electron tomography has begun to reveal the molecular organization of cells and how the existing and upcoming technologies promise even greater insights into structural cell biology.
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