Which of the following statements best describes a key limitation of X-ray crystallography in determining protein structures?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks for the key limitation of X-ray crystallography in determining protein structures, and the available data includes a single statement in the answer field.

However, the answer_options list is empty, so there are no alternative options to compare or contrast. In such cases, we can still evaluate the provided candidate statement based on established knowledge about X-ray crystallography.

Statement to evaluate: 'X-ray crystallography provides high-resolution structures but typically captures proteins in a static crystalline state, which may not reflect their natural flexibility.'

Why this statement is correct:
- X-ray crystallography is renowned for producing high-resolution, detailed atomic models of protein structures, often at near-angstrom precision. This is a well-established strength of the technique.
- A central limitation is that the method relies on crystallized proteins, typically in a single or limited set of conformations that fit into the crystal lattice. This can bias the observed state toward a static snapshot rather than the full range of conformational dynamics available to the protein in solution or in vivo.
- Consequently, the crystallographic model may underrepresent or obscure flexible regions, alternate conformations, or transient states that are functionally important.

Why the statement is not addressing potential nuances fully:
- It does not mention that crystallography often requires model building and refinement steps, which can introduce interpretive bias or uncertainties in disordered regions.
- It omits discussion of factors like crystal packing effects, temperature of data collection (often cryogenic), or the lack of solvent dynamics that can influence observed conformations.
- It also does not contrast crystallography with complementary methods (e.g., NMR, cryo-EM) that can capture dynamics or multiple states, though the question asks specifically for the limitation of X-ray crystallography.

In summary, the provided statement captures a core limitation—the static nature of crystal structures relative to protein dynamics—while omitting broader nuances, but as the sole option it accurately reflects a widely acknowledged limitation of X-ray crystallography.

2254 BIOSC 1544 SEC1000 Quiz #16: Experimentally Determinine Protein Structures

Which of the following statements best describes a key limitation of X-ray crystallography in determining protein structures?

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