Imaging of protein molecules--towards atomic resolution

Electron Microscopy Reviews
P A Bullough

Abstract

This review discusses some of the recent developments in high resolution imaging of biological molecules. Electron micrographs of unstained biological molecules never show the resolution or contrast that would be predicted. Movements in the specimen caused by radiation damage, and possibly charging of the specimen are the most significant factors in the reduction of image contrast of these radiation-sensitive specimens. Until these limitations are overcome it is unlikely that the structures of biological molecules will be determined to the resolutions to which they are preserved. The causes of contrast loss in images are discussed in a quantitative manner and the use of crystalline paraffin as a model for radiation-sensitive specimens in general is described. Procedures for improving the contrast in images of biological molecules are described, including the new method of spot-scan imaging. Possible future developments, including high resolution imaging of single particles, are discussed.

References

May 25, 1975·Journal of Molecular Biology·P N Unwin, R Henderson
Jan 20, 1989·Journal of Molecular Biology·B K Jap
Apr 1, 1989·Journal of Electron Microscopy Technique·J R Fryer
May 1, 1988·Quarterly Reviews of Biophysics·J DubochetP Schultz
Aug 5, 1988·Journal of Molecular Biology·J M BaldwinF Zemlin
Aug 28, 1970·Journal of Molecular Biology·R C Williams, H W Fisher
Jul 21, 1972·Science·V R MatricardiD F Parsons
Jan 1, 1982·Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology·L A AmosP N Unwin
May 5, 1984·Journal of Molecular Biology·T W JengE Zeitler

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Sep 5, 1990·Journal of Molecular Biology·P A Bullough, P A Tulloch
Jun 10, 1998·Journal of Structural Biology·T Walz, N Grigorieff
Jun 29, 2021·Nano Letters·Emma H MassasaYehonadav Bekenstein

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.