Skip to main content
. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2022 Apr 1.
Published in final edited form as: Annu Rev Virol. 2021 Sep 29;8(1):219–237. doi: 10.1146/annurev-virology-011921-064653

Table 2.

Atomic-Resolution Techniques in Structural Biology

X-ray crystallography Cryo-EM Solution NMR MAS NMR
Molecular weight requirement for atomic-resolution structural analysis None > 40 kDa < 50 kDa None
Specimen state Single crystal Vitrified Solution, micelles Crystalline, sedimented hydrated solutions, vitrified, powder
Accessibility of dynamics information No/indirectly No/indirectly Yes Yes
Temperature range No limitations, determined by the sample stability Cryogenic Above freezing No limitations, determined by the sample stability
Sample conditions (pH, salts, etc.) Determined by crystallization conditions No inherent limitations No inherent limitations No inherent limitations