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Related Concept Videos

Determination of Crystal Structures01:29

Determination of Crystal Structures

In the late 1800s, the revelation that light extended beyond visible wavelengths led to the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Roentgen. Recognized as high-energy electromagnetic radiation with short wavelengths, X-rays prompted exploration into their interaction with crystals. Max von Laue proposed in 1912 that the periodic arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in crystals would cause them to diffract X-rays, a hypothesis confirmed through experiments with copper sulfate and zinc sulfide...
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples01:10

X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples

X-ray diffraction or XRD is an analytical tool that utilizes X-rays to study ordered structures such as crystalline organic and inorganic samples, polycrystalline materials, proteins, carbohydrates, and drugs.
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are  scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The  X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...
X-ray Crystallography02:18

X-ray Crystallography

The size of the unit cell and the arrangement of atoms in a crystal may be determined from measurements of the diffraction of X-rays by the crystal, termed X-ray crystallography.
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...

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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Biochemical and Structural Characterization of the Carbohydrate Transport Substrate-binding-protein SP0092
08:53

Biochemical and Structural Characterization of the Carbohydrate Transport Substrate-binding-protein SP0092

Published on: October 2, 2017

Experimental approaches for solution X-ray scattering and fiber diffraction.

H Tsuruta1, T C Irving

  • 1Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL), SLAC, Stanford University, MS69, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. tsuruta@stanford.edu

Current Opinion in Structural Biology
|September 20, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

X-ray scattering and diffraction techniques are advancing the study of non-crystalline systems. These methods provide insights into macromolecular structure and function under physiological conditions, aiding in understanding folding and complex assemblies.

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Last Updated: Jun 30, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • X-ray scattering and diffraction are increasingly used for non-crystalline systems.
  • Focus is shifting towards larger length scales and physiological relevance.
  • Advanced synchrotron instrumentation enables new experimental possibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review experimental approaches in non-crystalline X-ray scattering and diffraction.
  • To highlight applications in studying macromolecular folding and structure-function relationships.
  • To discuss the study of isolated macromolecules and large assemblies.

Main Methods:

  • X-ray scattering
  • X-ray diffraction
  • Time-resolved X-ray techniques
  • Synchrotron-based experiments

Main Results:

  • These techniques allow study of macromolecules and assemblies under near-physiological conditions.
  • Time-resolved methods add a dynamic dimension to investigations.
  • Provides insights into protein and nucleic acid folding.
  • Enables understanding of structure-function relationships in large assemblies.

Conclusions:

  • Non-crystalline X-ray scattering and diffraction are powerful tools for structural physiology.
  • Advanced experimental approaches illuminate complex biological questions.
  • These methods are crucial for understanding macromolecular behavior at larger length scales.