Analysis of Electron Microscope Images and Electron Diffraction Patterns of Thin Crystals of Phi 29 Connectors in Ice

Images and diffraction patterns of frozen-hydrated thin crystals of phi 29 connectors were recorded using low dose microscopy and diffraction. The resolution obtained in two cases was 7 and 4 A, thus showing the suitability of this specimen for high-resolution studies. Seven of the best images and three of the best electron diffraction patterns were analysed semiquantitatively. The best image showed the presence of two connectors per unit cell (165 A x 165 A), each having an internal 4-fold axis and being related to one-another by 2-fold and 2-fold screw axes in the space group p42(1)2. Internal phase comparison within the best image showed good phase residuals for p42(1)2 and all its sub-groups. The other images were consistent with this interpretation taking into consideration the possible crystal tilt and specimen drift. We conclude that the most likely crystal space group is p42(1)2. Electron diffraction patterns were consistent with this assignment, but none of the patterns showed the precise 422 symmetry expected, almost certainly because the crystals were slightly tilted (2 to 5 degrees).