Crystal-density measurements

Abstract

Crystal-density measurements may be necessary to define a crystal's molecular-packing arrangement, particularly when a crystal has an unusual packing density (very dense or very open); when there are a large number of subunits in the crystallographic asymmetric unit; when the structure consists of heterogeneous subunits, so the molecular symmetry or packing is uncertain; and for crystals of nucleic acids, nucleic acid/protein complexes and viruses. Topics covered in this chapter include: solvent in macromolecular crystals; the Matthews number; algebraic concepts related to crystal density; experimental estimation of hydration; and methods for measuring crystal denisty. A discussion of how to handle solvent density is also given. This chapter is also available as HTML from the International Tables Online site hosted by the IUCr.