Some properties of the solvent in monoclinic lysozyme crystals
Abstract
Study by the luminescent-probe (Eu3+) method has demonstrated that water in monoclinic lysozyme crystals is readily exchanged with water from the environment. Molecules of certain organic molecules about 2 nm in size equally readily penetrate into crystals. The state of water directly surrounding protein molecules both in the protein solution and crystals differs from the state of other water molecules. The percentage of water molecules of the former type is higher in crystals than in solution. Water was found to be removed in two steps during crystal drying. The weight loss of samples upon storage at a constant temperature of ∼30°C under nitrogen for 3 h is about 24%. Heating of crystals, which were dried under the above-mentioned conditions, led to the additional loss of 2.1 wt % of water. Therefore, the total water content in crystals is ∼26 wt %.
- Publication:
-
Crystallography Reports
- Pub Date:
- March 2007
- DOI:
- 10.1134/S1063774507020198
- Bibcode:
- 2007CryRp..52..275P
- Keywords:
-
- 64.70.Dv;
- Solid-liquid transitions