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Figure 1
A schematic drawing of a protein crystallization phase diagram based on two of the most commonly varied parameters, protein and precipitant concentrations. The four major crystallization methods are highlighted showing that in order to produce crystals, all the systems need to reach the same destination, namely the nucleation zone, after which they make their way through the metastable zone and eventually arrive at the solubility curve. Each method achieves this journey via a different route. O represents the starting conditions. In the case of dialysis and free-interface diffusion two alternative starting points are shown since the undersaturated protein solution can contain solely protein or alternatively, protein with a low concentration of the precipitating agents. (A) Batch crystallization. (B) Vapour diffusion. (C) Dialysis. (D) Free-interface diffusion (also known as liquid/liquid diffusion).

Journal logoSTRUCTURAL
BIOLOGY
ISSN: 2059-7983
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