Atomic resolution structures have provided us with fascinating views and insights into the molecular architecture of many cellular components. At the same time, we have sacrificed information on the interaction of these molecular players within their native environment, because conventional high resolution techniques demand fractionation and purification of cellular constituents. In situ cryo-electron tomography is about to change that. Significant advances in hardware instrumentation and sample preparation now reveal the cellular landscape in exquisite detail and at molecular resolution. We here review the technological developments that have enabled this highly visual approach, taking count of cellular constituents within close-to-life preparations.

原子分辨率结构为我们提供了许多细胞组分分子结构的迷人观点和见解。同时，由于传统的高分辨率技术需要分离和纯化细胞成分，因此我们牺牲了有关这些分子在其天然环境中相互作用的信息。原位低温电子断层扫描将改变这种状况。现在，硬件仪器和样品制备方面的重大进步以精致的细节和分子分辨率揭示了细胞景观。我们在这里回顾了实现这种高度可视化方法的技术发展，并评估了接近生命的制剂中的细胞成分。