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551-0377-00L 6 Credits BSC D-BIOL
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3D Electron Microscopy of Macromolecular Complexes

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Takashi Ishikawa
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:13:20

Abstract

Methodologies to investigate three- dimensional structure of biological macromolecules using electron microscopy and image analysis.

Objective

I. Specimen preparation for the electron microscopy, especially negative staining. Viruses and actin filaments will be used as test specimens. II. Basic operation of the electron microscope. Learn how to align the microscope and data acquisition. III. Image analysis of electron micrographs. Learn programs developed for EM analysis.

Content

1) Understand the basic principle of electron microscopy. To use the information from electron microscopy for structural biology, images must be interpreted properly. For the correct interpretation, you must learn the optics and the principle of the image formation both by practical operation of the microscope and the theoretical study. 2) Through training of computation, understand the procedure to reconstruct the three-dimensional structural information from the micrographs, which are two-dimensional projections. 3) To acquire images with high quality, you should be familiar with specimen preparation, especially grid preparation. You will learn various methodologies, for example carbon evaporation and glow discharge.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise 3D Electron Microscopy of Macromolecular Complexes
Permission from lecturers required for all students. Blockkurs im 3. Viertel des Herbstsemesters (beschränkt auf max. 4 Teilnehmende)
  • Tue 12:45-16:30 (HPK F 7)
  • Wed 07:45-16:30 (HPK F 7)
  • Thu 07:45-16:30 (HPK F 7)
  • Fri 07:45-16:30 (HPK F 7)
100 h semesterly

Offered In