Stress-induced recrystallization of a protein crystal by electron irradiation.

摘要: Ordering of a system particles into its thermodynamically stable state usually proceeds by thermally activated mass transport constituents. Particularly at low temperature, the activation barrier often hinders equilibration--this is what prevents glass from crystallizing and pile sand flattening under gravity. But if driving force for (that is, excess energy system) increased, can be overcome structural changes are initiated. Here we report reordering radiation-damaged protein crystals conditions where initiated stress rather than thermal activation. After accumulating certain density radiation-induced defects during observation transmission electron microscopy, distorted crystal recrystallizes. The induced caused temperatures that enough to suppress diffusive transport. We propose this defect-induced might general phenomenon.