Cryo-Electron Microscopy: A Revolution in Molecular Science
Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) has emerged as one of the most groundbreaking techniques in structural biology, enabling scientists to peer into the molecular world with astonishing clarity. Over the years, this technology has evolved from a niche experimental tool into a central method for understanding biological structures at atomic resolution . But what exactly makes Cryo-EM so transformative, and how has it reached the forefront of modern science? At its core, Cryo-EM works on a deceptively simple principle: imaging biological samples in their natural, hydrated state without disrupting their native environment. By flash-freezing molecules in a thin layer of amorphous ice , scientists preserve the intricate details of their structure. This eliminates the need for harsh chemical treatments, allowing researchers to study delicate proteins, viruses, and other biomolecules as they exist in the body. The process begins with cryogenic freezing , where samples are rapidly ...