Variations on Negative Stain Electron Microscopy Methods: Tools for Tackling Challenging Systems.

ABSTRACT: Negative stain electron microscopy (EM) allows relatively simple and quick observation of macromolecules and macromolecular complexes through the use of contrast enhancing stain reagent. Although limited in resolution to a maximum of ~18 - 20 Å, negative stain EM is useful for a variety of biological problems and also provides a rapid means of assessing samples for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The negative stain workflow is straightforward method; the sample is adsorbed onto a substrate, then a stain is applied, blotted, and dried to produce a thin layer of electron dense stain in which the particles are embedded. Individual samples can, however, behave in markedly different ways under varying staining conditions. This has led to the development of a large variety of substrate prepa

SUBMITTER: Scarff CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5912373 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature