Protein Crystal Growth

Protein crystal growth is the process where protein molecules in solution come together to form highly organized, solid crystals. When conditions like temperature, concentration, and pH are carefully controlled, proteins evenly assemble into a regular, repeating pattern that creates a crystal lattice. These crystals are valuable because they allow scientists to analyze the protein's structure at an atomic level through techniques like X-ray crystallography. Understanding how proteins crystallize helps in drug development and fundamental biological research, as it reveals detailed information about the molecule's shape and function.