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X-ray Crystallography

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...

$X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples$ 01:10

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2025

An All-in-one Sample Holder for Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography with Minimal Background Scattering

An All-in-one Sample Holder for Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography with Minimal Background Scattering

Published on: July 6, 2019

X-Ray Crystallography for Macromolecular Complexes.

Francisco J Fernández¹, Javier Querol-García², Sergio Navas-Yuste²

¹Abvance Biotech SL, Madrid, Spain.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|March 20, 2024

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

X-ray crystallography remains a vital technique for determining high-resolution structures of biological macromolecules. It provides crucial insights into molecular mechanisms and biological processes, complementing newer methods like cryo-electron microscopy.

Keywords:

Complement receptor CR3 Complement system Cryo-electron microscopy Electron diffraction Structural biology Synchrotron radiation X-free electron laser X-ray crystallography iC3b complement factor

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Structure Solution of the Fluorescent Protein Cerulean Using MeshAndCollect

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Last Updated: Jun 30, 2025

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Structure Solution of the Fluorescent Protein Cerulean Using MeshAndCollect

Structure Solution of the Fluorescent Protein Cerulean Using MeshAndCollect

Published on: March 19, 2019

Area of Science:

Structural Biology
Biochemistry
Molecular Biology

Background:

X-ray crystallography has been the primary method for determining biological macromolecule structures for decades.
It has revolutionized biology and biomedicine by elucidating structures of diverse molecules and complexes.
Understanding these structures clarifies biological mechanisms, interactions, and processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of modern X-ray crystallography.
To discuss its integration with other structural biology techniques.
To emphasize its application to macromolecular complexes.

Main Methods:

X-ray crystallography for high-resolution structure determination.
Comparison and integration with cryo-electron microscopy and other methods.
Focus on analysis of macromolecular complexes.

Main Results:

X-ray crystallography continues to be a central technique in structural biology.
It offers detailed knowledge of molecular structures, mechanisms, and biological functions.
Modern crystallography interfaces effectively with complementary techniques.

Conclusions:

X-ray crystallography remains indispensable for understanding biological structures and functions.
Its synergy with other methods enhances structural biology research.
The technique is crucial for advancing knowledge of macromolecular complexes.