The spelling of the word "CRYOTEM" is based on the IPA phonetics, with "cryo" being pronounced as /kraɪo/ and "tem" being pronounced as /tɛm/. The prefix "cryo-" comes from the Greek word "kryos" meaning "cold" and is commonly used in words related to low temperatures such as cryotherapy, cryonics and cryogenics. The suffix "tem" is a shortened version of "system", which denotes a set of related things working together. Therefore, "CRYOTEM" could potentially refer to a collection of items or processes related to the use of extremely low temperatures.
Cryotem is a term referring to a specialized technique utilized in the field of structural biology for obtaining high-resolution images of biomolecules through cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Cryo-EM is a powerful method that enables the visualization of biological samples at near-atomic resolution by freezing them in vitreous ice. Cryotem is an essential step within the cryo-EM workflow, which involves the preparation of the sample for imaging.
During cryotem, the biomolecular sample is vitrified by rapidly freezing it to ultra-low temperatures, usually around -196 degrees Celsius (-320 degrees Fahrenheit), using cryogenic conditions. This process prevents the formation of ice crystals that could damage the delicate structure of biomolecules, ensuring that they are preserved in their native conformation. The vitrified sample is then placed into the cryo-EM microscope for imaging.
By employing cryotem, scientists are able to study the three-dimensional structure of proteins, viruses, complexes, and other biological macromolecules in their natural state. This technique has revolutionized structural biology, providing invaluable insights into the atomic organization of biomolecules and facilitating the understanding of their functions and interactions.
The development of cryotem has significantly advanced the field of structural biology, allowing researchers to visualize previously unresolvable structures and enhance our knowledge of the molecular machinery of life. The application of cryotem has contributed to numerous breakthroughs in drug discovery, biotechnology, and understanding disease mechanisms.