Social Question  Flutherit's avatar  Is there a chain reaction
after protein starts to crystalize?  Asked by Flutherit (52
points ) May 31st, 2011  Does a chain reaction occur after
protein starts to crystalize if the conditions are right?
Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0  2 Answers
thorninmud's avatar  Not strictly speaking. Chain reactions
produce unstable products which then go on to trigger further
reactions. Protein crystallization produces no unstable
products. As in other kinds of crystallization, once the process
has begun through nucleation, there is an ever-increasing pace
to the incorporation of adjacent molecules. But the nature of
the bonding (hydrogen binds, salt bridges, and hydrophobic
interactions) is such that there are no by-products.  gasman's
avatar  At the risk of being hopelessly pedantic, I think we
need to pin down what is meant by “chain reaction.” gives: — n
1. a process in which a neutron colliding with an atomic nucleus
causes fission and the ejection of one or more oth