Molecular heterogeneity, enzyme inhibitors

Protein contaminants can occur as natural isoforms or can arise during purification. Adventitious proteolysis and cysteine oxidation are probably the most common sources of microheterogeneity that occur during isolation (Lorber et al, 1987). This has frequently motivated the inclusion of protease inhibitors and/or reducing agents in crystallization solutions, as well as during purification. In many cases modifications that produce molecular heterogeneity are reflected in enzyme activity. For... 

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