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Transmission electron microscopy in molecular structural biology: A historical survey

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Robin Harris

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Abstract

In this personal, historic account of macromolecular transmission electron microscopy (TEM), published data from the 1940s through to recent times is surveyed, within the context of the remarkable progress that has been achieved during this time period. The evolution of present day molecular structural biology is described in relation to the associated biological disciplines. The contribution of numerous electron microscope pioneers to the development of the subject is discussed. The principal techniques for TEM specimen preparation, thin sectioning, metal shadowing, negative staining and plunge-freezing (vitrification) of thin aqueous samples are described, with a selection of published images to emphasise the virtues of each method. The development of digital image analysis and 3D reconstruction is described in detail as applied to electron crystallography and reconstructions from helical structures, 2D membrane crystals as well as single particle 3D reconstruction of icosahedral viruses and macromolecules. The on-going development of new software, algorithms and approaches is highlighted before specific examples of the historical progress of the structural biology of proteins and viruses are presented. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Harris JR

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Year: 2015

Volume: 581

Pages: 3-18

Print publication date: 01/09/2015

Online publication date: 02/12/2014

Acceptance date: 01/01/1900

ISSN (print): 0003-9861

ISSN (electronic): 1096-0384

Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2014.11.011

DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2014.11.011


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