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Applications of Neutron Scattering to Biology

JAN 01, 1985
Investigation of the structure of biological macromolecules, until recently possible only with electrons and x rays, has been significantly enhanced by the use of high‐flux neutron beams.
Peter B. Moore

During the past 20 years neutron scattering has developed into an important tool for the determination of the structure of biologically important compounds. Traditionally these kinds of problems have been solved by x‐ray crystallography or electron microscopy, both of which require far cheaper and simpler instrumentation. The justification for the use of neutrons in biological research, which might seem at first an outrageous extravagance, is contained in a single word: “hydrogen.” The scattering of neutrons from hydrogen (and deuterium) is far larger compared to other atoms than is the comparative scattering of x rays and electrons; neutrons, therefore, are a much better probe for these light atoms.

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More about the authors

Peter B. Moore, Yale University.

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This Content Appeared In
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Volume 38, Number 1

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