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Related Concept Videos

Atomic Force Microscopy01:08

Atomic Force Microscopy

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Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that can analyze topographic details of various specimens like ceramics, glass, polymers, and biological samples. AFM offers over 1000 times more resolution than the optical imaging system. Images generated from AFM are three-dimensional surface profiles, offering an advantage over the flat, two-dimensional images from other imaging techniques.
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Studying the Cytoskeleton01:17

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The cytoskeletal architecture can be studied using different microscopic and biochemical techniques. Electron microscopy was instrumental in discovering the cytoskeletal architecture around the 1960s, which allowed obtaining structural information at a high-resolution level. However, the sample preparation procedure often limits this ability in biological samples. Several protocols have been developed over the years to optimize sample preparation. In one of the protocols known as rotary...
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Protein Dynamics in Living Cells01:19

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Different fluorescence-based techniques are used to study the protein dynamics in living cells. These techniques include FRAP, FRET, and PET.
Fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a fluorescent-protein-based detection technique used to quantify protein movement rates within the cell. This method exposes a small portion of the cell to an intense laser beam. The laser beam causes permanent photobleaching of the fluorophore-tagged proteins in the exposed region. As the bleached...
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Mechanical Protein Functions01:58

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Proteins perform many mechanical functions in a cell. These proteins can be classified into two general categories- proteins that generate mechanical forces and proteins that are subjected to mechanical forces. Proteins providing mechanical support to the structure of the cell, such as keratin, are subjected to mechanical force, whereas proteins involved in cell movement and transport of molecules across cell membranes, such as an ion pump, are examples of generating mechanical force. 
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Force Spectroscopy of Single Protein Molecules Using an Atomic Force Microscope
06:45

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Published on: February 28, 2019

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Atomic Force Microscopy of Proteins.

Yiran An1,2, Sesha Sarathchandra Manuguri1,2,3, Jenny Malmström4,5

  • 1School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|October 16, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides detailed imaging of proteins under physiological conditions. This guide details sample preparation, probe selection, and imaging parameters for successful soft sample analysis in air and liquid.

Keywords:
Atomic force microscopyImaging conditionsProbe selectionProteinsSample preparation

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Surface Science
  • Microscopy Techniques

Background:

  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers advantages over electron microscopy for imaging proteins.
  • AFM allows imaging under physiological conditions, preserving protein structure and function.
  • Tapping mode and functional AFM modes can yield additional data beyond topography.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a detailed protocol for imaging soft biological samples, specifically proteins, using AFM.
  • To outline essential parameters including sample preparation, probe selection, and imaging conditions.
  • To explain the underlying theory for successful protein imaging.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for high-resolution imaging.
  • Implementing optimized sample preparation techniques for soft matter.
  • Exploring imaging in both air and liquid environments.
  • Detailing probe selection and critical imaging parameter adjustments.

Main Results:

  • Successful imaging of surface-deposited proteins and protein structures was achieved.
  • Demonstrated the feasibility of imaging under physiological conditions.
  • Highlighted the importance of specific preparation and imaging parameters for optimal results.

Conclusions:

  • AFM is a powerful tool for visualizing proteins and their structures in biologically relevant environments.
  • Careful consideration of sample preparation, probe choice, and imaging settings is paramount for high-quality AFM data.
  • This work provides a practical framework for researchers aiming to image soft samples with AFM.