How does x-ray crystallography provide details about molecular structure?
A)Only DNA molecules scatter x-rays; therefore, this helped to prove that DNA was the genetic material in cells.
B)X-rays are reflected by some atoms and absorbed by others; thereby giving clues to molecule structure.
C)X-rays are scattered by atoms in a specific pattern, from which molecular size, shape, and spacing of repeating elements can be calculated.
D)This technique captures photographs of magnified molecules.
E)X-rays can be used to isolate DNA molecules from living organisms.

Question

How does x-ray crystallography provide details about molecular structure?  
A)Only DNA molecules scatter x-rays; therefore, this helped to prove that DNA was the genetic material in cells.
B)X-rays are reflected by some atoms and absorbed by others; thereby giving clues to molecule structure.
C)X-rays are scattered by atoms in a specific pattern, from which molecular size, shape, and spacing of repeating elements can be calculated.
D)This technique captures photographs of magnified molecules.
E)X-rays can be used to isolate DNA molecules from living organisms.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

X-ray crystallography involves directing a beam of X-rays at a crystallized molecule, which causes the X-rays to scatter in a specific pattern. This scattering pattern can then be used to determine the molecular size, shape, and spacing of atoms within the crystal lattice. This information can be used to build a three-dimensional model of the molecule's structure.

How Does X-Ray Crystallography Provide Details About Molecular Structure