Cellular Cryo-Electron Tomography

Electron tomography at cryogenic temperatures is becoming a prominent tool in cell biology. It provides three-dimensional detailed information on cellular organization. Advanced image processing of tomogram sub-volumes allows near-atomic in-cell macromolecules structure determination. Here we describe how cells and tissues are prepared for imaging and how data is collected and processed. Selected examples are given to demonstrate the breadth of samples that can be processed thus demonstrating the contribution of cryogenic electron tomography to cell biology; prospects for future developments are discussed.