MRX Meaning and
Definition
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MRX refers to "Molecular Replacement eXperimental" or "Molecular Replacement Experimental." It is a computational technique widely used in X-ray crystallography for determining the three-dimensional structure of macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, based on the knowledge of a previously determined, similar structure.
MRX utilizes a mathematical model known as the rotation-translation function or Patterson function to solve the phase problem. The phase problem arises because X-ray diffraction only provides the amplitudes, not the phases, of the diffracted waves. By comparing the diffraction pattern of a known structure with an unknown structure, MRX attempts to identify the correct orientation and position of the unknown structure within the crystal lattice.
In practice, the process involves selecting a suitable search model based on structural similarity, generating an electron density map, and refining the model iteratively until it matches the experimental data. This technique is highly effective because of the growing number of experimentally determined structures available in protein and nucleic acid databases, which serve as potential search models. MRX has become an invaluable tool for the structural determination of a wide range of biological macromolecules.
MRX methods have contributed significantly to our understanding of the structure-function relationships of proteins and nucleic acids, as well as to drug discovery and the development of targeted therapies. With the advent of advanced computing power and algorithms, MRX has become an indispensable tool for structural biologists, providing a practical approach to solving the phase problem and elucidating macromolecular structures.
Common Misspellings for MRX
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