One of the most difficult steps in X-ray crystallography is
A) using the correct radio frequency pulses to perturb the nuclear spin.
B) determining the phases of diffracted X-rays.
C) dissolving the protein in the appropriate solvent.
D) obtaining a large enough sample for analysis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Determining the phases of diffracted X-rays is one of the most difficult steps in X-ray crystallography. Without accurate phase information, it is not possible to reconstruct the electron density map of the protein, which is necessary for determining the protein's structure. This problem is known as the phase problem, and many methods have been developed to overcome it, including molecular replacement and experimental phasing.

One of the Most Difficult Steps in X-Ray Crystallography Is