Observation of Hydrated Proteins and Cells by Electron Cryo-Microscopy

The electron cryo-microscopy is one of the most powerful techniques to elucidate biological molecular structure under nearly physiological condition. By single particle analysis, many three-dimensional structures of proteins and their complexes have been resolved at atomic resolutions. Furthermore, in situ molecular behaviours in cells and tissues have also been reported at nano-meter or sub-nanometer resolutions by electron tomography. I would here review current situations of electron cryo-microscopy and the principles of their analysis and so show its possibility.