Since the discussion for crystallographers is fired up. I want to put on
record that I totally agree with Tassos about the profile of a
crystallographer. If you take away the crystals, then a crystallographer
is no long a crystallographer.
Demetres
On 13/1/2013 9:52 μμ, Anastassis Perrakis wrote:
>> I think the real challenge (and one that makes for an excellent macromolecular crystallographer) is how well one can interpret a map with poor phases.
> Let me disagree ... An excellent macromolecular crystallographer, is one that given some crystals can derive the best strategy to collect data,
> process the data optimally, derive phases using all available information, build a model and refine it in such a way that it best explains both data
> and geometrical expectations, and do these as efficiently as possible.
>
> Efficiency may suggest using one automated suite or another - or indeed may best be achieved by manual labor - be it in the map or in data
> collection strategy or refinement or another step: and here I am ignoring the art of transforming hair-needle-crystalline-like-dingbits to a diffracting crystal.
>
> One that can interpret a map with poor phases can be either a genius in 3d orientation - or a not necessarily too intelligent nor experienced but determined student
> that can drink and breathe this map for a few weeks in a row until a solution is in place. Neither would make an excellent macromolecular crystallographer by necessity.
>
> Tassos
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Dr. Demetres D. Leonidas
Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology
University of Thessaly
26 Ploutonos Str.
41221 Larissa, Greece
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Tel. +302410 565278
Tel. +302410 565297 (Lab)
Fax. +302410 565290
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