protein diffraction

Protein diffraction is a technique used to study the detailed 3D structure of proteins. When X-rays are directed at a protein crystal, the atoms within the protein scatter the X-ray beams, creating a pattern of spots called a diffraction pattern. By analyzing these patterns, scientists can determine the arrangement of atoms inside the protein. This process helps us understand the protein's shape and how it functions, which is essential for drug development and understanding biological processes. Essentially, protein diffraction turns the scattered X-ray data into a detailed map of the protein's molecular architecture.