# mSphere of Influence: The power of in situ—structural biology without leaving “home”

## TL;DR

This article discusses the impact of in situ structural biology in microbiology and reflects on tools like AlphaFold and open questions in the field.

## Contribution

The article provides a reflective analysis of in situ structural biology's potential and challenges in microbiology.

## Key findings

- In situ structural biology offers unique insights into protein structures within their native microbiological environments.
- AlphaFold has limitations in capturing the full complexity of microbial systems.
- Cross-disciplinary approaches can enhance structural biology research in microbiology.

## Abstract

Nicholas A. Wood works in the field of biophysics with an emphasis on in situ protein structures in microbiological systems. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on the power and limitations of AlphaFold, open questions in structural biology, and the cross-disciplinary potential of microbiological training.