Center for Biomolecular Structure Lecture Series

Neutrons provide unique information on biological systems associated with multi-scale phenomena, across the Ångstrom to micron length scales and pico- to milli-second timescales. Because they have no charge, neutrons cause little radiation damage and are highly penetrating, allowing measurement under native physiological conditions. Moreover, neutrons interact with nuclei making it possible to observe the lighter elements such as hydrogen (H) and deuterium (D) and distinguish these light elements next to heavy ones. In addition, the neutron scattering cross-sections of H and D are very different making it possible to selectively highlight different components within a complex system. In this seminar, I will discuss biological research questions that have used neutron scattering techniques for extracting information that was not accessible by other techniques. Examples include observing details of structural and compositional changes in cell walls during lignocellulosic biomass deconstruction, solution scattering studies of protein complexes and membrane proteins, studies of bio-membranes, and new directions for investigating structure and dynamics of biomolecules in living cells. The unique capabilities of neutrons are most effectively applied when combined with a wide range of techniques including X-rays, electron microscopy, molecular simulation and computational analysis, and chemical and biochemical deuterium isotope labeling.