Problems in obtaining perfect images by single-particle electron cryomicroscopy of biological structures in amorphous ice.

ABSTRACT: Theoretical considerations together with simulations of single-particle electron cryomicroscopy images of biological assemblies in ice demonstrate that atomic structures should be obtainable from images of a few thousand asymmetric units, provided the molecular weight of the whole assembly being studied is greater than the minimum needed for accurate position and orientation determination. However, with present methods of specimen preparation and current microscope and detector technologies, many more particles are needed, and the alignment of smaller assemblies is difficult or impossible. Only larger structures, with enough signal to allow good orientation determination and with enough images to allow averaging of many hundreds of thousands or even millions of asymmetric units, have succe

SUBMITTER: Henderson R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3767125 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature