Microsc. Microanal. Microstruct. 3, 45-54 (1992)
DOI: 10.1051/mmm:019920030104500

Three-dimensional reconstruction at the molecular level

Joachim Frank

Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12201-0509, U.S.A.

Abstract
This article gives a brief overview over the problem of obtaining three-dimensional images of macromolecules that occur in the form of single particles. The method of random-conical data collection and reconstruction, which has been successfully used for a variety of complex macromolecular assemblies such as the ribosome and the calcium release channel, receives particular attention. The roles of classification and restoration is obtaining artifact-free reconstructions, as well as the feasibility of merging different reconstructions are discussed both for negatively stained and ice-embedded macromolecules.

PACS
0705P - Image processing.
4230W - Image reconstruction; tomography.

Key words
Tridimensional image -- Image reconstruction -- Macromolecules -- Electron microscopy -- Biological compound -- Projection method


© EDP Sciences 1992