title: Crystallization of macromolecules.
abstract: X-ray crystallography has evolved into a very powerful tool to determine the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules and macromolecular complexes. The major bottleneck in structure determination by X-ray crystallography is the preparation of suitable crystalline samples. This unit outlines steps for the crystallization of a macromolecule, starting with a purified, homogeneous sample. The first protocols describe preparation of the macromolecular sample (i.e., proteins, nucleic acids, and macromolecular complexes). The preparation and assessment of crystallization trials is then described, along with a protocol for confirming whether the crystals obtained are composed of macromolecule as opposed to a crystallization reagent. Next, the optimization of crystallization conditions is presented. Finally, protocols that facilitate the growth of larger crystals through seeding are described.
authors: Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Friedmann
authors: Vironika, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Troy
authors: T
authors: Messick
authors: Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Ronen
authors: R
authors: Marmorstein
mesh_terms: D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray / Q000379:methods; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry*; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D011506:Proteins