Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), along with cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) have revolutionized structural biology by enabling the visualization of biomacromolecules in their near-native states. The development of rapid freezing techniques, direct electron detectors, and computational algorithms has led to the "resolution revolution," significantly advancing the field. In this white paper, we will explore the basics of cryo-EM, its history, and its significance in the world of structural biology. We will also dive deep into the complex workflow of cryo-EM and examine the recent advancements in single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-ET.
Images courtesy of Dr. S. Berkap, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany.