Protein crystallization

<p>Protein crystallization is the process of formation of a regular array of individual protein molecules stabilized by crystal contacts. If the crystal is sufficiently ordered, it will <a href="/facts/Diffraction/Mk80xXHT">diffract</a>.  Some proteins naturally form crystalline arrays, like <a href="/facts/Aquaporin/d9pI3N4C">aquaporin</a> in the lens of the eye.
</p><p>In the process of protein crystallization, proteins are dissolved in an aqueous environment and sample solution until they reach the <a href="/facts/Supersaturation/YaTN0D1L">supersaturated state</a>. Different methods are used to reach that state such as vapor diffusion, microbatch, microdialysis, and free-interface diffusion. Developing protein crystals is a difficult process influenced by many factors, including pH, temperature, ionic strength in the crystallization solution, and even gravity. Once formed, these crystals can be used in <a href="/facts/Structural_biology/XRkPtHYv">structural biology</a> to study the molecular structure of the protein, particularly for various industrial or medical purposes.
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Protein crystallization open-in-new

Protein crystallization