High-resolution electron cryomicroscopy of macromolecular assemblies

Wah Chiu, Amy McGough, Michael B. Sherman, Michael F. Schmid

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electron cryomicroscopy is a high-resolution imaging technique that is particularly appropriate for the structural determination of large macromolecular assemblies, biological molecules that form two-dimensional crystals, the application of electron cryomicroscopy and image reconstruction can help elucidate structures at atomic resolution. In instances where crystals cannot be formed, atomic-resolution information can be obtained by combining high-resolution structures of individual components determined by X-ray crystallography or NMR with image-derived reconstructions at moderate resolution. This can provide unique and crucial information on the mechanisms of these complexes. Finally, image reconstructions can be used to augment X- ray studies by providing initial models that facilitate phasing of crystals of large macromolecular machines such as ribosomes and viruses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)154-159
Number of pages6
JournalTrends in Cell Biology
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 1999
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cell Biology

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