A genetic algorithm for low resolution protein structure determination

A genetic algorithm for iterative fitting of SAXS data is presented. The al gorithm described produces fast convergence to a fittest model mass distrib ution compatible with experimental data. This method affords a dramatic red uction of processor time required by other SAXS fitting methods and can be applied to any kind of structure, the only requirement is the target profil e. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated with synthetic object s and by deriving the low resolution model of a known protein structure fro m their corresponding computed SAXS profile.