Structural Study of Heterogeneous Biological Samples by Cryoelectron Microscopy and Image Processing - Softcover

White, H. E.; Ignatiou, A.; Clare, D. K.; Orlova, E. V.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1545497540 ISBN 13: 9781545497548

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017

Synopsis

In living organisms, biological macromolecules are intrinsically flexible and naturally exist in multiple conformations. Modern electron microscopy, especially at liquid nitrogen temperatures (cryo-EM), is able to visualise biocomplexes in nearly native conditions and in multiple conformational states. The advances made during the last decade in electronic technology and software development have led to the revelation of structural variations in complexes and also improved the resolution of EM structures. Nowadays, structural studies based on single particle analysis (SPA) suggests several approaches for the separation of different conformational states and therefore disclosure of the mechanisms for functioning of complexes. The task of resolving different states requires the examination of large datasets, sophisticated programs, and significant computing power. Some methods are based on analysis of two-dimensional images, while others are based on three-dimensional studies. In this review, we describe the basic principles implemented in the various techniques that are currently used in the analysis of structural conformations and provide some examples of successful applications of these methods in structural studies of biologically significant complexes.

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1545497540
• ISBN 13: 9781545497548
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 30