Figure 5
Vitrification of cryo-EM specimens and time-resolved cryo-EM. A cryo-EM grid with a thin film of solution is plunged into liquid ethane for vitrification. Time-resolved experiments are possible by spraying a reagent onto the grid just before it enters the ethane, using an atomiser. A time resolution of several milliseconds can be achieved. To the right is a schematic view of a part of the frozen water layer, with macromolecules trapped in different orientations. Bottom right, part of a cryo-EM image showing weak and noisy views of the complexes. |