Electron cryomicroscopy

Single-particle electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) has become an important method for determining macromolecular structures. It is the basis for the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Although resolution is usually poorer than that obtained by X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM has the great advantage of not requiring crystallization. (Crystallization perhaps the major obstacle to determination of structure by X-ray diffraction.)

• 3 min video explaining the principles of cryo-EM.
• 2017 Nobel laureate Richard Henderson explains the history of cryo-EM in this 5 min video.

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