X-ray crystallography is the primary technique used to determine protein structure. No other experimental method gives such detailed information about the structure, and this is indispensable for correctly determining the biological functions of these macromolecules. However the crystallization of biological macromolecules is still poorly understood, and obtaining crystals from solution is inherently difficult because of the fragile nature of the protein crystals.

 

The aim of this book is to show that protein crystallization can be easily explained on a scientific basis, using the principles of physics, chemistry and biology. It provides theoretical insight into the processes of nucleation and crystal growth, and explains the physics and chemistry of protein solutions, protein crystallization and the handling and behaviour of protein crystals. The author uses experimental results, examples and analogies drawn from his teaching experience to illustrate different routes to protein crystallization. Practical chapters on observation of crystallization experiments, the search for crystallization conditions, optimizing crystal quality and post crystallization enhancement of crystal quality, show the reader how to get the best results from their experiments.