Cryo-EM (Cryo-Electron Microscopy)

Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) is a scientific technique used to visualize tiny biological structures, like proteins and viruses, at very high resolution. In Cryo-EM, samples are rapidly frozen to preserve their natural form and imaged with an electron microscope, which uses beams of electrons instead of light. Multiple images are collected and computationally combined to create detailed 3D reconstructions. This method allows scientists to see the precise shape and arrangement of molecules, aiding in understanding their function and guiding drug development. Cryo-EM is powerful because it reveals structures without the need for crystallization.