Microscopes for fluorimeters: the era of single molecule measurements

Cell. 2008 Nov 28;135(5):779-85. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2008.11.009.

Abstract

As transforming as the first atomic resolution view of myoglobin in the late 1950s, scientists can now use a suite of single molecule technologies to watch protein macromolecular machines executing their functions "in real time." This Essay highlights applications and challenges of single molecule studies in structural biology, cell biology, and biotechnology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biochemistry / instrumentation
  • Biochemistry / methods
  • Biotechnology
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Fluorometry
  • Microscopy / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy / methods
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / chemistry
  • Molecular Motor Proteins / metabolism
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Research Design
  • Spectrophotometry

Substances

  • Molecular Motor Proteins
  • Proteins