| Literature DB >> 22082691 |
Abstract
The electron microscope has contributed deep insights into biological structure since its invention nearly 80 years ago. Advances in instrumentation and methodology in recent decades have now enabled electron tomography to become the highest resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique available for unique objects such as cells. Cells can be imaged either plastic-embedded or frozen-hydrated. Then the series of projection images are aligned and back-projected to generate a 3D reconstruction or 'tomogram'. Here, we review how electron tomography has begun to reveal the molecular organization of cells and how the existing and upcoming technologies promise even greater insights into structural cell biology.Mesh:
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Year: 2011 PMID: 22082691 DOI: 10.1017/S0033583511000102
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Q Rev Biophys ISSN: 0033-5835 Impact factor: 5.318