Reconstruction principles of icosahedral virus structure determination using electron cryomicroscopy

Electron cryomicroscopy is a useful tool for studying the three-dimensional structure of icosahedral viruses. This review is intended to provide begin ners with an understanding of icosahedral virus structure determination foc using on the data processing aspects. We begin with an overview of the enti re structure determination process and a brief summary of the sample prepar ation and imaging aspects. Next, we provide detailed descriptions of each d ata processing step leading to three-dimensional reconstruction, including application of image corrections, resolution assessment, and structure visu alization. To aid in understanding this reconstruction process we provide a variety of illustrative examples. Last, we summarize future prospects for icosahedral virus structural studies. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.