300 kV Electron Cryo Microscope

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Researchers at the Julius-Maximilian University (JMU) investigate the structural determinants by which biological assemblies support different functionalities. For these investigations modern electron cryo microscopy has become the method of choice not only for the static structure determination at 2-4 Å resolution but also for the detailed assessment of structural and compositional dynamics during the function of these assemblies. The method allows studying the conformational space unbiased by crystal contacts and enables the simultaneous evaluations of different conformational states during a functional process. To retain the leading position of the JMU in the structural investigation of large biological machines, it is now imperative to add high-resolution electron cryo microscopy to the local methodological portfolio. In order to implement this, a high-resolution electron cryo microscope (300 kV, Schottky-emitter, direct detector, automatic data acquisition software and auto loader) is required that will be integrated into the already established low-end electron cryo microscopy platform. The new platform will enable in-house structure determination of large complexes in different functional states close to atomic resolution on a routine basis. This will extend the capabilities in Structural Biology currently only given by X-ray crystallography towards larger complexes. The envisaged high-resolution electron cryo-microscopy platform will provide a much-needed resource for all researchers in the region.