What Are the Advantages of Cryo-EM Over Other Techniques?
Cryo-EM offers several advantages over traditional structural biology techniques like X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy:
1. No Need for Crystallization: Unlike X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM does not require the crystallization of proteins, which can be a significant bottleneck. 2. Preservation of Native State: Cryo-EM preserves samples in their native state, providing more physiologically relevant data. 3. High Resolution: Recent advances in Cryo-EM technology have achieved near-atomic resolution, comparable to X-ray crystallography. 4. Versatility: Cryo-EM can be used to study a wide range of biological samples, including large complexes and membrane proteins, which are often challenging for other methods.
