Question

Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of trying to solve molecular protein structures by 1) X-ray crystallography and by 2) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy

Answer 1

Answer:

1) X-ray crystallography :

Advantages:

The complex molecular structures (higher molecular masses) we can determine by this method.

Disadvantages:

This method applicable only for the crystalline solids.

X-ray diffraction is based on the connection of the scattered waves with the electron density. Hydrons can not explain in this method.

In this method solvent effect can seen, The compunds can be crystallized in to crystalls in different solvents in to different type of crystalls.

If we change the solvent the crystall type also changes.

2) NMR:

Advantages:

We can know the accurate structure of the molecule. No solvent effect can seen.

Disadvantages:

Simple molecules structure ony we can determine for the complex molecules (higher molecular masses) it is difficult.