The study of biological structures by neutron scattering from solution

The very large difference between the scattering amplitude of neutrons by hydrogen and deuterium gives the basis of this method, which is explained with reference to the X-ray technique, as both methods have a complementary aspect.

Abstract

Neutron small-angle scattering provides a new tool for investigation of the structure of biological particles. The method is derived from X-ray small-angle scattering. The very large difference between the scattering amplitude of neutrons by hydrogen and deuterium gives the basis of this method, which is explained with reference to the X-ray technique, as both methods have a complementary aspect. Experimental results so far obtained are reviewed, with an emphasis on biological structures composed of two kinds of molecules, such as ribosomes, nucleosomes and viruses.