HL2026 Elektronmikroskopi 7,5 hp

Specimen handling, practical electron microscopy, theory of image formation, different modes of electron microscopy, computer exercises using dedicated software for processing EM data and 3D reconstruction, computer exercises using molecular graphics programs for interpretation and visualization.

In their cellular environment proteins and other macromolecules are highly dynamic structures that can adopt a number of conformations related to the function they have in living organisms. Cryo electron microscopy has become one of the most important methods for investigating the structure and function of proteins and macromolecular complexes close to their native functional states.

Aim: To understand how transmission electron microscopy can be used to study different types of biological specimens. High-resolution structural analysis of large molecular assemblies and two-dimensional crystals of membrane proteins will be the major targets.

Content: Image formation in a transmission electron microscope, Electron diffraction, Protection against radiation damage - electron cryo microscopy, Specimen preparation, Methods for 2-D crystallization, Data collection strategies, Analysis of experimental data - crystals, Analysis of experimental data - non-crystalline objects, Interpretation of structural models

After completion of the course you should be able to:

• Prepare specimens for electron microscopy
• Understand the principles behind image formation and data collection
• Process data in 2D and 3D
• Interpret and visualize results using molecular graphics

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent. Basic knowledge of anatomy.

Joachim Frank, Three-Dimensional Electron Microscopy of Macromolecular Assemblies, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press 2006, ISBN 0195182189

När kurs inte längre ges har student möjlighet att examineras under ytterligare två läsår.

• PRO1 - Projektrapport, 1,5 hp, betygsskala: P, F
• TEN1 - Tentamen, 3,0 hp, betygsskala: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN1 - Övningar, 3,0 hp, betygsskala: P, F

Examinator beslutar, baserat på rekommendation från KTH:s handläggare av stöd till studenter med funktionsnedsättning, om eventuell anpassad examination för studenter med dokumenterad, varaktig funktionsnedsättning.

Examinator får medge annan examinationsform vid omexamination av enstaka studenter.

Philip Köck

• Vid grupparbete har alla i gruppen ansvar för gruppens arbete.
• Vid examination ska varje student ärligt redovisa hjälp som erhållits och källor som använts.
• Vid muntlig examination ska varje student kunna redogöra för hela uppgiften och hela lösningen.

Notice that the final schedule is not yet decided and the dates can be changed.