These videos (part 1 and 2) explore the field of structural biology, focusing on X-ray crystallography as a powerful technique for understanding the three-dimensional structures of biological molecules. Using the example of lysozyme, an enzyme found in tears and saliva, Professor Elspeth Garman explains the significance of studying protein structures in unraveling their functions. The process involves growing protein crystals, genetic modification of bacteria for protein production, and purification. The crystals are then subjected to X-ray analysis at facilities like the Diamond Light Source, revealing detailed molecular structures. The videos highlight the historical context of crystallography, technological advancements, and the critical role of structural biology in drug design and understanding biological interactions.
Key Concepts:
- Lysozyme Structure:
- Lysozyme is a protein found in tears, saliva, and mucus, contributing to bacterial defence.
- Understanding its three-dimensional structure aids in comprehending its mechanism of action.
- X-ray Crystallography:
- X-rays are used to analyse protein crystals at the atomic level.
- Crystals enhance scattering for a more accurate determination of molecular structures.
- Protein Production:
- Genetic modification of E. coli bacteria is employed for large-scale protein production.
- Proteins are extracted, purified, and prepared for crystallisation.
- Crystallisation Process:
- Supersaturated solutions of proteins are dehydrated to form crystals.
- Crystals provide an ordered array for X-ray scattering, facilitating structure determination.
- Diamond Light Source:
- Diamond is a synchrotron used for X-ray crystallography.
- It accelerates electrons to produce intense X-ray beams for diffraction experiments.
- Diffraction Experiments:
- Protein crystals are subjected to X-ray diffraction to generate diffraction patterns.
- The resulting data is used to create three-dimensional maps of electron density.
- Computational Modeling:
- Computers are utilised to generate accurate 3D models of protein structures from diffraction data.
- Quality crystal data leads to detailed maps, showcasing atomic details of proteins.
- Applications of Structural Biology:
- Structural biology aids in understanding biological interactions.
- Drug design benefits from insights into protein structures.
Part 1:
part 2:
