Presence of heavy atom

[Dan Lim]

Hi, I have recently co-crystallized my protein with a heavy atom compound.  The new crystals
have a different morphology.  The crystals are rapidly dissolved by adding a bit of EDTA.

Can anyone suggest how one can confirm whether a heavy atom present in the crystal?  Are there
any spectroscopic methods?

We would just like to be certain before doing any MAD experiments at a synchrotron.

This heavy atom compound contains mercury.


Thanks in advance!


Dan
Please reply to: dan at crystal.biochem.queensu.ca