cryo-preparation techniques

Cryo-preparation techniques involve rapidly freezing biological samples to preserve their natural structures without forming damaging ice crystals. This process, called vitrification, typically uses very high-pressure or ultra-fast cooling methods, often with liquid nitrogen. Once frozen, the sample remains in a near-native state, allowing scientists to examine it under electron microscopes at high resolution. These techniques are essential for studying delicate biological molecules and cells in their functional form, enabling detailed imaging and analysis that reveal their true structure and properties.