Toward the biochemistry of individual molecules
One goal of the Brookhaven STEM group is to enhance the capabilities of the electron microscope as a biochemical tool, while attempting to open up a new field: the Biochemistry of Individual Molecules. Three aspects of molecular biology seem particularly tractable with the STEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope):Size, shape and molecular weightActive sites: location and environmentInteractions in complex systemsAll these areas have been explored to some extent by conventional microscopy, but definitive conclusions are elusive because of low contrast and radiation damage which usually require staining or shadowing to “see” anything. Periodic features may be rendered faithfully, but detailed interpretation falls prey to arguments about positive vs. negative staining, decoration vs. shadowing, flattening, shrinkage, and other such phenomenon.