Since the discussion for crystallographers is fired up. I want to put on
record that I totally agree with Tassos about the profile of a
crystallographer. If you take away the crystals, then a crystallographer
is no long a crystallographer.
Demetres
On 13/1/2013 9:52 μμ, Anastassis Perrakis wrote:
I think the real challenge (and one that makes for an excellent macromolecular
crystallographer) is how well one can interpret a map with poor phases.
Let me disagree ... An excellent macromolecular crystallographer, is one that
given some crystals can derive the best strategy to collect data,
process the data optimally, derive phases using all available information,
build a model and refine it in such a way that it best explains both data
and geometrical expectations, and do these as efficiently as possible.
Efficiency may suggest using one automated suite or another - or indeed may
best be achieved by manual labor - be it in the map or in data
collection strategy or refinement or another step: and here I am ignoring the
art of transforming hair-needle-crystalline-like-dingbits to a diffracting
crystal.
One that can interpret a map with poor phases can be either a genius in 3d
orientation - or a not necessarily too intelligent nor experienced but
determined student
that can drink and breathe this map for a few weeks in a row until a solution
is in place. Neither would make an excellent macromolecular crystallographer by
necessity.
Tassos
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Dr. Demetres D. Leonidas
Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology
University of Thessaly
26 Ploutonos Str.
41221 Larissa, Greece
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Tel. +302410 565278
Tel. +302410 565297 (Lab)
Fax. +302410 565290
E-mail: ddleoni...@bio.uth.gr
http://www.bio.uth.gr
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