Theoretical calculation of layer geometry in rotary shadowed models of membrane‐associated particles

SUMMARY The geometry of the evaporated metal layer on models of membrane‐associated particles has been calculated theoretically and the respective density profiles have been estimated. The models were a hollow cylinder, a hemisphere and a rotary ellipsoid substituting the freeze‐fracture appearance of gap junction connexons and globular integral membrane proteins respectively. These calculations may be used as a help for choosing an optimal compromise between shadowing angle and layer thickness. They furthermore provide a basis for assaying the extent of shadowing artefacts such as decoration and lead to a more accurate interpretation of rotary shadowed structures.