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Title: Non-destructive imaging of an individual protein

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4748113· OSTI ID:22089408
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Physics Institute, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich (Switzerland)

Imaging a single biomolecule at atomic resolution without averaging over different conformations is the ultimate goal in structural biology. We report recordings of a protein at nanometer resolution obtained from one individual ferritin by means of low-energy electron holography. One single protein could be imaged for an extended period of time without any sign of radiation damage. Since the fragile protein shell encloses a robust iron cluster, the holographic reconstructions could also be cross-validated against transmission electron microscopy images of the very same molecule by imaging its iron core.

OSTI ID:
22089408
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 101, Issue 9; Other Information: (c) 2012 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English