Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM): Progress, challenges, and perspectives for further improvement

David Agard, Yifan Cheng, Robert M. Glaeser, Sriram Subramaniam

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electron microscopy (EM) of biological macromolecules has experienced a significant increase in its capabilities with the introduction of a new generation of camera technology. Near-atomic resolution now has been achieved without the need for ordered assemblies such as two-dimensional (2-D) crystals, helical structures, or icosahedral particles. Not only has the resolution achieved in single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) improved markedly, but at the same time, the number of particles needed has been reduced by a factor of 10 or more. However, not all single-particle analyses may reach atomic resolution easily, and the reasons for this are diverse. Here, we address some of the factors that could result in lower-than-expected values of resolution, and we suggest strategies to identify and fix the possible problems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Imaging and Electron Physics
PublisherAcademic Press Inc.
Pages113-137
Number of pages25
Volume185
ISBN (Print)9780128001448
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameAdvances in Imaging and Electron Physics
Volume185
ISSN (Print)10765670

Keywords

  • Biological specimens
  • Resolution limitations
  • Single-particle cryo-EM

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics

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