Single Particle Analysis is a group of related computerized image processing techniques used to analyze images from
transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These methods were developed to improve and extend the information obtainable from TEM images of particulate samples, typically
proteins or other large biological entities such as
viruses. Individual images of stained or unstained particles are very
noisy, and so hard to interpret. Combining several digitized images of similar particles together gives an image with stronger and more easily interpretable features. An extension of this technique uses single particle methods to build up a three-dimensional reconstruction of the particle. Using
cryo-electron microscopy it is now possible to generate reconstructions with sub-nanometer
resolution and near-atomic resolution in the case of highly symmetric viruses.