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?

查看解析

登录即可查看完整答案

类似问题

X-ray crystallography of DNA produces an image. Which one of the following is the best description of that image?

X-ray crystallography can be used to

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

A product has a selling price of $20, a contribution margin ratio of 40% and fixed cost of $120,000. To make a profit of $30,000. The number of units that must be sold is: Type the number without $ and a comma. Eg: 20000

Which of the following statement regarding cost is correct:

Under the assumptions used in cost-volume-profit analysis, as the activity increases:

更多留学生实用工具

考试浏览器助手

风格化写作助手

论文查重助手

文献引用助手

课堂转译助手

课堂笔记助手

Quiz搜索助手

学校历年真题

智能刷题助手

智能匹配练习

希望你的学习变得更简单