How to compile different types of structural visualizations in one panel.

A protein model is built based on a final cryoelectron microscopy (EM) map (A) and then presented. An overall structure is usually represented using secondary structure cartoons (B,C), making it easy to read. By contrast, sticks and balls or spheres show high-resolution information on the atomic level, such as the relative size of the atoms, salt bridges, and covalent bonds (D–F), but are overcomplicated for general displays (G,H). To clearly visualize the highlighted interactions, irrelevant elements should be concealed with cartoon (I) or completely omitted. Surface representations are valuable for protein shape, hydrophobicity, or electrostatics (J–L).