Generating isomorphous heavy-atom derivatives by a quick-soak method. Part I: test cases

Using lysozyme and Fc receptor crystals as test cases, it was demonstrated that conventional heavy-atom derivatives could be generated by quick soaking in a 10 min to 2 h time frame instead of days. Derivatives generated in this way showed stronger heavy-atom signals and appeared to be more isomorphous to the native than derivatives generated by overnight soaks.

Generating isomorphous heavy-atom derivatives by a quick-soak method. Part II: phasing of new structures

A quick-soak method was used to generate heavy-atom derivatives for the de novo phasing of two structures. The derivatives generated this way were not only sufficient for phasing, but were also better diffracting and more isomorphous to the natives than derivatives soaked overnight.