Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
06:42
Structure Solution of the Fluorescent Protein Cerulean Using MeshAndCollect
Published on: March 19, 2019
6.3K
Synchrotron radiation macromolecular crystallography: science and spin-offs
John R Helliwell1, Edward P Mitchell2
1School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Brunswick Street, Manchester M13 9PL, England.
Iucrj
|April 14, 2015
Summary
Synchrotron radiation (SR) in macromolecular crystallography (MX) has advanced with automation and remote access, enabling more Protein Data Bank depositions, especially from microcrystals. Future work will explore new energies and smaller samples, alongside data management challenges.
Area of Science:
- Structural Biology
- Biophysics
- Crystallography
Background:
- Synchrotron radiation (SR) is crucial for macromolecular crystallography (MX).
- Automation, remote access, and industrial services have transformed MX in the last decade.
- Increased Protein Data Bank depositions highlight advancements in MX.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current synchrotron radiation (SR) in macromolecular crystallography (MX).
- To discuss advancements in instrumentation, methods, and applications.
- To explore future directions and challenges in SR-based MX.
Main Methods:
- Review of synchrotron radiation (SR) instrumentation and methods for macromolecular crystallography (MX).
- Analysis of recent trends including automation, remote access, and microcrystal applications.
- Discussion of emerging technologies like X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs).
Main Results:
- High deposition rates in the Protein Data Bank, with successful use of microcrystals.
- Advancements in high-throughput screening and analysis of small crystals (micron and sub-micron).
- Emerging challenges in managing large diffraction data volumes.
Conclusions:
- SR is a leading technique for MX, with ongoing developments in automation and sample handling.
- Future research will focus on higher/lower photon energies, smaller samples (nanocrystals, single molecules), and time-resolved studies.
- Integration of complementary techniques like cryo-electron microscopy and NMR at central facilities enhances structural biology research.
Keywords:
X-ray lasersautomationdiffuse scatteringdynamicsexpanding wavelength rangeindustrial and commercial accessmicrocrystalsneutronsraw dataroom-temperature studiesstorage-ring upgradestime-resolved studiesMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:18X-ray Crystallography
27.1K
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...
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...
27.1K
01:10X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
5.2K
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...
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...
5.2K
01:29Determination of Crystal Structures
122
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...
122