Dr. Phillips will examine the dynamics of myoglobin by a newly developed experimental method. Analysis of the diffuse X-ray scattering will reveal the range and distribution of conformational states of the molecule. The methods developed in this project for analyzing the diffuse X-ray scatter from myoglobin crystals will also have broad application to other macromolecules. Protein structure and dynamics are intimately related. X-ray crystallography has been a powerful tool for determining the average conformation of macromolecules. Techniques such as NMR and fluorecence spectroscopy have provided detailed knowledge of the dynamics of targeted "parts" of protein molecules, but not a good overall description of the motions of the entire protein. Theoretical calculations can predict dynamic behavior of proteins, but as yet are limited to simulations in very short periods of time. Their connection to reality is still somewhat tenuous. This project will help bridge the gap between theoretical studies of protein dynamics and experimental determinations of the real behavior of the protein.
