electron density maps

Electron density maps are visual representations used by scientists to understand the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule, typically a protein or DNA. They are created using data from techniques like X-ray crystallography, which measures how X-rays scatter when they pass through a crystal of the molecule. The resulting map shows areas with higher electron density, indicating where atoms are located, allowing researchers to accurately model the molecule’s structure. These maps are crucial for understanding biological function and designing drugs, as they provide detailed insights into the molecular blueprint of complex biological molecules.