A complete examination of the uses of the atomic force microscope in biology and medicine


This cutting-edge text, written by a team of leading experts, is the first detailed examination of the latest, most powerful scanning probe microscope, the atomic force microscope (AFM). Using the AFM, in combination with conventional tools and techniques, readers gain a profound understanding of the cell, subcellular organelles, and biomolecular structure and function.

The text begins with three chapters describing the molecular machinery and mechanism of cell secretion...

Understanding live cells at the single molecule level is the most important and single major challenge facing biology and medicine today. Nanobiology focuses on the properties and structure of complex assemblies of biomolecules--biochips and molecular motors, for example--in conjunction with distinctive surfaces, rods, dots, and materials of nanoscience. Nano Cell Biology will describe the current applications of nanobiology to the study of the structure, function, and metabolic processes of cells.

• Provides historical background on this newly emerging field
• Covers the...

Understanding live cells at the single molecule level is the most important and single major challenge facing biology and medicine today. Over the past 15 years, there has been a renewed understanding of living cells at the molecular level. Atomic Force Microscopy, Laser Force Microscopy, single secretory vesicle patch clamp studies, highresolution electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction, are some of the tools now being used to unravel the intricacies of a living cell at the molecular level. Opening with an explanation of Materials and Methods, NanoCellBiology then moves through...

This is the first book to cover the history, structure, and application of atomic force microscopy in cell biology. Presented in the clear, well-illustrated style of the Methods in Cell Biology series, it introduces the AFM to its readers and enables them to tap the power and scope of this technology to further their own research. A practical laboratory guide for use of the atomic force and photonic force microscopes, it provides updated technology and methods in force spectroscopy. It is also a comprehensive and easy-to-follow practical laboratory guide for the use of the AFM...