ANALYSIS OF THE CRYSTALLIZATION KINETICS OF LYSOZYME USING A MODEL WITH POLYNUCLEAR GROWTH-MECHANISM

A differential equation model with a polynuclear growth mechanism was formulated for a theoretical understanding of protein Crystallization. The model equation contains two parameters characterizing nucleation and growth: the number of protein molecules constituting a critical nu cleus and the order of growth kinetics. This model was applied success fully to explain the experimental data on the protein concentration ch anges due to nucleation and crystal growth of tetragonal and orthorhom bic hen egg-white lysozyme. It was shown that the critical nucleus mos t probably consists of three or four molecules. The range and extent o f the validity of the present model and analysis are discussed.