cryoelektrontomograafia

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a three-dimensional imaging technique used to visualize the structure of biological specimens at a nanometer scale. The method combines cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) with computed tomography (CT) to generate high-resolution, three-dimensional reconstructions of biological samples. Cryo-ET is particularly valuable for studying the ultrastructure of cells, organelles, and macromolecular complexes in their native, hydrated state.

The process begins with the rapid freezing of biological samples, typically in a vitrified state, to preserve their native structure. The frozen sample is then imaged using an electron microscope, which captures a series of two-dimensional projections from different angles. These projections are subsequently processed using computational algorithms to reconstruct a three-dimensional model of the sample. The cryo-ET technique allows for the visualization of complex biological structures, including membranes, proteins, and nucleic acids, with high spatial resolution.

Cryo-ET has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of cellular biology and has applications in various fields, including structural biology, virology, and materials science. The technique has enabled researchers to study the organization and dynamics of biological molecules and structures, providing insights into cellular processes and the mechanisms of disease. Advances in cryo-ET technology continue to improve the resolution and accuracy of three-dimensional reconstructions, further enhancing its utility in biological research.