Crystallography Made Crystal Clear is designed to meet the need for an X-ray analysis that is between brief textbook sections and complete treatments. The book provides non-crystallographers with an intellectually satisfying explanation of the principles of how protein models are gleaned from X-ray analysis. The understanding of these concepts will foster wise use of the models, including the recognition of the strengths and weaknesses of pictures or computer graphics. Since proteins comprise the majority of the mass of macromolecules in cells and carry out biologically important tasks, the book will be of interest to biologists.Provides accessible descriptions of principles of x-ray crystallography, built on simple foundations for anyone with a basic science backgroundLeads the reader through clear, thorough, unintimidating explanations of the mathematics behind crystallographyExplains how to read crystallography papers in research journalsIf you use computer-generated models of proteins or nucleic acids for:Studying molecular interactionsDesigning ligands, inhibitors, or drugsEngineering new protein functionsInterpreting chemical, kinetic, thermodynamic, or spectroscopic dataStudying protein foldingTeaching macromolecule structure,and if you want to read new structure papers intelligently; become a wiser user of macromolecular models; and want to introduce undergraduates to the important subject of x-ray crystallography, then this book is for you.

Outline of Crystallography for Biologists is intended for researchers and students in the biological sciences who require an insight into the methods of X-ray crystallography without needing to learn all the relevant theory. The main text is purely descriptive and is readable by those with minimal mathematical knowledge. Some mathematical detail is given throughout in boxes, but these can be ignored. Theory is limited to the essentials required to comprehend issues of quality. There is an extensive reference section and suggestions for further reading for those who wish to delve deeper. The first part 'Fundamentals' presents the underlying ideas which allow x-ray structure analysis to be carried out and provides an appropriate background to courses in structural determination. The second part 'Practice' gives more information about the procedures employed in the course of crystal structure determination. The emphasis is on the quality measures of X-ray diffraction analysis to give the reader a critical insight into the quality and accuracy of a structure determination and to enable the reader to appreciate which parts of a structure determination may have caused special difficulty. There is no pretence of completeness and many matters discussed in standard crystallography texts are deliberately omitted. However, issues not brought out in the standard texts are discussed, making it a useful resource for non-practising crystallographers as well.

Crystallography Made Crystal Clear makes crystallography accessible to readers who have no prior knowledge of the field or its mathematical basis. It provides a comprehensive and concise reference for beginning macromolecular crystallographers and non-specialist users of crystallographic models. Visual and geometric models are used to help readers understand the physics and mathematics that form the basis of X-ray crystallography, and to understand both the extent but also limitations of the information that can be obtained in a diffraction experiment. Importantly, readers will learn how to use modern web-based tools to evaluate model and data quality. This updated and expanded new edition also includes discussion of the recent advances in infrastructure and automation and how these have impacted structural biology. Uses accessible language and updated graphics to explain complex topics Covers both traditional single crystal data collection as well as serial data collection and long-wavelength crystallography-the unique aspects of which are not currently covered in any other text Includes new chapters describing model building and model validation procedures with step-by-step guidance

This book provides a complete introduction to all major topics needed in order to use electron microscopy as a research tool in structural biology. Written by a group of 5 well-known pioneers of the field of electron cryo-microscopy of biological macromolecules, this book offers a depth of knowledge and expertise that could only be replicated from the primary literature with great difficulty.

Crystallography Made Crystal Clear makes crystallography accessible to readers who have no prior knowledge of the field or its mathematical basis. This is the most comprehensive and concise reference for beginning Macromolecular crystallographers, written by a leading expert in the field. Rhodes' uses visual and geometric models to help readers understand the mathematics that form the basis of x-ray crystallography. He has invested a great deal of time and effort on World Wide Web tools for users of models, including beginning-level tutorials in molecular modeling on personal computers. Rhodes' personal CMCC Home Page also provides access to tools and links to resources discussed in the text. Most significantly, the final chapter introduces the reader to macromolecular modeling on personal computers-featuring SwissPdbViewer, a free, powerful modeling program now available for PC, Power Macintosh, and Unix computers. This updated and expanded new edition uses attractive four-color art, web tool access for further study, and concise language to explain the basis of X-ray crystallography, increasingly vital in today's research labs. * Helps readers to understand where models come from, so they don't use them blindly and inappropriately * Provides many visual and geometric models for understanding a largely mathematical method * Allows readers to judge whether recently published models are of sufficiently high quality and detail to be useful in their own work * Allows readers to study macromolecular structure independently and in an open-ended fashion on their own computers, without being limited to textbook or journals illustrations * Provides access to web tools ina format that will not go out of date. Links will be updated and added as existing resources change location or are added

"With an understanding of three-dimensional structure being so central to the understanding of molecular function, Principles of X-ray Crystallography is the perfect guide for anyone needing to gain a working insight into X-ray crystallography." --Book Jacket.

This extensively illustrated book by Alexander McPherson, a master practitioner, accomplishes several important goals: it presents the underlying physical and chemical principles of crystallization in an approachable way; it provides the reader with a biochemical context in which to understand and pursue successful crystal growth; it instructs the reader in practical aspects of the technologies required; and it lays out effective strategies for success that investigators can readily apply to their own experimental questions. This readable volume has been created for every investigator in biomedicine whose studies may require a shift in focus from gene to protein product, as well as chemists and physicists interested in the functions of biologically active macromolecules.