X-ray diffraction

Definition

X-ray diffraction is a technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal by measuring the angles and intensities of X-rays that are diffracted upon hitting the crystal. This method allows scientists to visualize the 3D structure of molecules such as DNA.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. X-ray diffraction was crucial in elucidating the double-helix structure of DNA.
2. Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction images were pivotal in the discovery of DNA's structure.
3. The technique involves directing X-rays at a crystallized sample and analyzing the resulting diffraction pattern.
4. The distance between atoms in a crystal lattice can be calculated from the diffraction patterns.
5. X-ray diffraction requires highly purified and crystallized samples for accurate results.

Review Questions

• What role did X-ray diffraction play in discovering the structure of DNA?
• Why is crystallization important for X-ray diffraction experiments?
• Who was a key scientist associated with using X-ray diffraction to study DNA?

Related terms

Crystallography: A scientific method used to determine the arrangement of atoms within crystalline solids.

Double Helix: The spiral structure formed by two strands of DNA held together by nucleotide pairs.

Rosalind Franklin: A scientist whose X-ray diffraction work was critical in identifying the double-helix structure of DNA.