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138 Trewhella and Krueger<br />

This chapter will outline the practical aspects of small-angle scattering using<br />

X-rays or neutrons, the underlying theory of the technique, and approaches to<br />

scattering data analysis. Examples of scattering experiments on calcium-binding<br />

proteins and their interactions with the proteins whose activities they regulate<br />

will be highlighted in order to illustrate the information that can be obtained.<br />

Comprehensive reference texts on the theory and practice of small-angle scattering<br />

that are extremely useful have been written by Glatter and Kratky (1)<br />

and Feigin and Svergun (2). There is also a recent review (3) that gives an<br />

overview of the techniques and their application to biomolecular structural<br />

analysis in general.<br />

2. Materials<br />

2.1. Small-Angle Scattering Facilities<br />

A small-angle scattering instrument generally consists of (1) a radiation<br />

source that provides a beam of neutrons or X-rays; (2) a monochromator that<br />

selects the wavelength of the radiation; (3) a collimator that directs or focuses<br />

the radiation to a point on a detector; (4) a sample environment between the<br />

source and the detector; and (5) a position sensitive detecting device. The<br />

detectors are one- or two-dimensional proportional counters. One-dimensional<br />

detectors are less expensive, but with a two-dimensional area detector, the data<br />

can be circularly averaged to give a one-dimensional scattering profile with<br />

maximum signal to noise. This feature is particularly useful at the larger scattering<br />

angles where the scattering signal is weakest. In general, small-angle<br />

scattering instruments for protein studies are found at large user facilities, or<br />

are custom built in specialist laboratories. Synchrotron and neutron facilities<br />

have user programs whereby scientists can apply for time on the instruments,<br />

usually via a peer reviewed proposal system. Interacting with an established<br />

small-angle scattering laboratory or a user facility is often the best way to get<br />

started.<br />

2.1.1. X-Ray Scattering Sources and Instruments<br />

X-rays are produced either at synchrotron sources, where the radiation is<br />

emitted by the acceleration of electrons circulating at ultrahigh speed, or by<br />

laboratory X-ray generating devices such as X-ray tubes or rotating anodes.<br />

Laboratory devices depend upon the electronic transitions in atoms that emit<br />

X-rays (e.g., the Kα transition of copper which yields 1.54 Å X-rays). The<br />

useful X-ray wavelengths for small-angle scattering are approx 1–2 Å. Synchrotron<br />

radiation has very high brilliance (intensity) which facilitates rapid<br />

data acquisition on small samples. Laboratory devices are comparatively weak,<br />

but they cause less damage to samples due to the ionizing radiation. There are

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