 | Acta Crystallographica Section D Acta Crystallographica Section D BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY |
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![[Figure 5]](bw5424fig5mag.jpg)
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Figure 5
Nucleation in pores/cavities. Schematic illustration (modified from Frenkel, 2006  ) indicating the potential secondary nucleation sites formed when a protein crystal nucleates within a pore or cavity on a generic porous nucleating substrate. According to the theoretical model proposed by Page & Sear (2006), (a) the initial critical nucleus forms at the corner of the pore, (b) the pore is filled followed by subsequent growth out of the pore and (c) a second critical nucleus forms at the point where the protein aggregate growing out of the pore forms a junction with the nucleant surface. This model is based upon computer simulations, with the white voids observed being a consequence of the simulation process. A critical nucleus can comprise between ten and 100 protein molecules. It is possible that another secondary nucleation site can form at the location indicated by the red arrow. At higher levels of metastability there is sufficient protein to feed both nucleation sites. Furthermore, it is also possible that the protein aggregate growing from the pore may form a crystal itself. |
![[Figure 5]](bw5424fig5.jpg)
| BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY |
ISSN: 1399-0047
