Ultrastructure of ferritin and apoferritin: A review

摘要: Abstract Ferritin is the major protein that binds non-heme iron inside cells. This review summarizes present knowledge about molecular structure of ferritin and apoferritin, with emphasis on research results obtained by electron microscopy. The ultrastructural organization core, atomic-level biomineralized (ferrihydrite) forming quaternary architecture shell, interactions this are reviewed. For each these fundamental topics, important results, hypotheses current controversies critically discussed; part ends a summary structural conclusions supported experimental evidence brief presentation some remaining questions where microscope studies likely to provide valuable answers. Special topics presented in include: (1) an enumeration common misinterpretations, artifacts mis-statements ferritin, (2) ultrastructure crystals paracrystals, (3) examination apoferritin molecules scanning transmission microscope, (4) microscopy unstained frozen-hydrated (5) status as favorable test object for developing instrumentation specimen preparation techniques biological