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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:19
Structural Studies of Macromolecules in Solution using Small Angle X-Ray Scattering
Published on: November 5, 2018
XtalView, protein structure solution and protein graphics, a short history
1ActiveSight, 4045 Sorrento Valley Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121, USA. dmcree@active-sight.com
Journal of Structural Biology
|April 16, 2008
Summary
Protein structure determination has rapidly advanced, becoming significantly faster and more automated. Modern software, like XtalView, now enables quick solutions previously requiring extensive manual effort.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Biochemistry
- Computational biology
Background:
- Protein crystallography software has evolved dramatically over decades.
- Early methods for protein structure determination were labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Observation:
- The development of XtalView coincided with advancements like synchrotron radiation and seleno-Met phasing.
- Current technologies include robotic crystallization, automated data collection, and complete structure solution pipelines.
Findings:
- Protein structure solution has transitioned from man-months of effort to minutes on a standard laptop.
- Software automation has minimized the need for human intervention in structure determination.
Implications:
- This signifies a 'Golden Age' for protein crystallographic software, enhancing research efficiency.
- The accessibility and speed of current tools accelerate discoveries in structural biology.
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