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Related Concept Videos

Cryo-electron Microscopy01:28

Cryo-electron Microscopy

Conventional electron microscopy (EM) involves dehydration, fixation, and staining of biological samples, which distorts the native state of biological molecules and results in several artifacts. Also, the high-energy electron beam damages the sample and makes it difficult to obtain high-resolution images. These issues can be addressed using cryo-EM, which uses frozen samples and gentler electron beams. The technique was developed by Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank, and Richard Henderson, for...
Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy01:20

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Do's and Don'ts of Cryo-electron Microscopy: A Primer on Sample Preparation and High Quality Data Collection for Macromolecular 3D Reconstruction
09:25

Do's and Don'ts of Cryo-electron Microscopy: A Primer on Sample Preparation and High Quality Data Collection for Macromolecular 3D Reconstruction

Published on: January 9, 2015

Cryo-electron microscopy--a primer for the non-microscopist.

Jacqueline L S Milne1, Mario J Borgnia, Alberto Bartesaghi

  • 1Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

The FEBS Journal
|November 28, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is revolutionizing structural biology, enabling detailed molecular resolution studies of cells and viruses. Advances in technology and data processing are enhancing its speed, automation, and resolution capabilities for diverse biological structures.

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Cryo-electron Microscopy Specimen Preparation By Means Of a Focused Ion Beam
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Cryo-electron Microscopy Specimen Preparation By Means Of a Focused Ion Beam

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Published on: July 26, 2014

Area of Science:

  • Structural Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is a powerful technique for visualizing molecular structures.
  • Recent technological advancements are expanding its applications and improving resolution.
  • Integration with other methods like X-ray crystallography is enhancing structural determination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of emerging themes in cryo-EM applications for biology and medicine.
  • To discuss the use of cryo-EM for studying diverse macromolecular assemblies.
  • To explain the deposition and archiving of cryo-EM data.

Main Methods:

  • Advancements in cryo-EM microscope design and imaging hardware.
  • Enhanced image processing and automation capabilities.
  • Integration with X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

  • Cryo-EM is becoming mainstream for molecular resolution studies of cells, viruses, and protein assemblies.
  • Developments are increasing speed, automation, and achievable resolutions.
  • Atomic-resolution models of complex assemblies are being achieved through integrated approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Cryo-EM is a rapidly advancing technology with broad applications in biology and medicine.
  • Its integration with other structural biology techniques allows for comprehensive analysis of molecular assemblies.
  • Publicly accessible databases ensure the archiving and dissemination of structural information.