Hello,
I'm a graduate student new to the Spring software suite and I'm trying to use the MicHelixTrace function to select microtubules (MT) from cryo-EM images. I have a couple questions about some of the required inputs. My first question is in regards to the helix reference file. Should this just be a good looking MT portion from my own data or would you recommend downloading a high resolution 3D model and generating a projection as a reference?
How sensitive is the reference to protofilament (PF) number, for example will a 13 PF reference pick a 14 PF MT? What length should my reference be? (Just longer than one full turn of the helix?)
My second question is about the diagnostic plot pattern input. I'm unfamiliar with what this is suppose to be and could not find an explanation online.