structure determination

Structure determination is the process of figuring out the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. Scientists use techniques like X-ray crystallography, which involves shining X-rays through a crystal of the molecule and analyzing the resulting patterns. This information reveals how atoms are connected and positioned in space, providing insights into the molecule’s shape, function, and interactions. Understanding a molecule’s structure helps in fields like drug development, materials science, and biochemistry by clarifying how molecules work and interact at an atomic level.