The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics invites all AU alumni with an interest in molecular biology to an after-work meeting about cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).
Cryo-EM is a versatile technique of growing popularity and accessibility that can be used for macromolecular structure determination. In brief, a sample solution is snap-frozen on a grid-mesh at approximately -180°C. In the microscope, a beam of electrons interacts with the thin sample, which projects an image of the sample onto a detector, and from thousands of these 2-D projections, a 3-D reconstruction of the sample can be made.
Recent developments in detector technology and software algorithms have enabled the determination of biomolecules at atomic resolution in favorable cases, thus making cryo-EM an attractive alternative to NMR spectroscopy or X-ray crystallography without the need for crystallization. For this reason membrane proteins in particular are popular targets for cryo-EM.
At the after-work meeting, cryo-EM facility manager Thomas Boesen will give a short introduction to the technique and take the participants on a guided tour at the facility
Information about the cryo-EM facility.
Programme
16.00-16.30 Coffee/tea/light snack
16.30-17.00 Introduction to cryo-EM
17.10-18.00 Tour at the facility in two groups
18.00-19.00 Sandwich with soda/beer
19.00 End of meeting
Place
Department of Physics (details to be announced)
Date
Thursday 17 September 2020
Registration
The number of participants is limited to 20 and the seats are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please sign up at the following link no later than Tuesday 15 September 2020.
