X-ray crystallography assay at UCSF

Definition

A molecular assay used to determine the arrangement of atoms within a crystal, in which a beam of X-rays strikes a crystal and diffracts into many specific directions. From the angles and intensities of these diffracted beams, a crystallographer can produce a three-dimensional picture of the density of electrons within the crystal. From this electron density, the mean positions of the atoms in the crystal can be determined, as well as their chemical bonds, their disorder and various other information.

Synonyms

Xray Crystallography

Categories

Technique → Assay → Molecular assay → X-ray crystallography assay