Abstract
This chapter reviews the basics of the protein crystallization process. As amply proven by the protein structure initiative, protein crystallization can be carried out without any basic knowledge about the specific protein or how it behaves in solution. However, when the goal is not just processing as many proteins as can be produced, but is directed toward a better understanding of a specific biological moiety, a better understanding of what is being done, what one is observing, and how they all relate to the crystal nucleation and growth process is an invaluable aid in translating the observed screening results to a successful outcome. Informed observation is a key component to increased success. Similarly, there are a plethora of approaches that can be taken to screening for crystals, and knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each is key to matching them to the immediate goals to be achieved.
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Pusey, M.L., Aygün, R.S. (2017). Introduction to Protein Crystallization. In: Data Analytics for Protein Crystallization. Computational Biology, vol 25. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58937-4_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58937-4_1
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