Protein Crystallization for X‐Ray

Definition

Before the three‐dimensional structure of a protein molecule can be determined by X‐ray crystallographic methods, the protein molecules have to be assembled into a regular and periodic three‐dimensional lattice – a crystal. This process is called protein crystallization. The principles of protein crystallization as well as many experimental and technical approaches to it will be discussed in the following description.

Description

Introduction

The three‐dimensional structure of a biological macromolecule constitutes not only the basis for investigating its function but can also serve as a template to determine how and where small molecule ligands bind to it. Such an approach has proven to be extremely useful for the identification and characterization of putative lead compounds that affect the function of a macromolecular target and which, at some point, may lead to the development of new drugs. Of the two techniques, which can provide three‐dimensional structural...