Rasmus Schroeder

Title

Phase Contrast Aberration Corrected TEM and the Future of Macromolecular Imaging

Abstract

For a detailed functional understanding of complex biological systems it is essential to know their quasi-atomic structure. While methods such as X-ray crystallography and NMR are perfect for determining structures of individual molecules, the Electron Microscope (EM) has developed into the ideal instrument to look at large molecular assemblies or unique cellular and macromolecular structures. Using the macromolecular motor system actin and myosin as an example I will discuss the functional details we have learned so far from the combination of structures derived from crystallography, electron microscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations. It will become apparent that a quantitative interpretation of image information is crucial and that further improvement of object contrast will be advantageous. Phase plate mediated contrast is a promising method to boost the object signal and could change electron microscopy in a similar way as Zernike's original invention revolutionized light microscopy.