Question:

Major limitation of using NMR to determine protein structure is:

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NMR = Small proteins (in solution); X-ray = Large proteins (in crystals).
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • resolution is poor
  • resolved structure is not reliable
  • difficult to interpret the data for larger proteins ($>$50 KDa)
  • difficult to interpret the data for smaller proteins ($<$15 KDa)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a tool used to determine the 3D structure of proteins in solution.

Step 2: Meaning

Structural determination relies on detecting interactions between specific atoms.

Step 3: Analysis

As protein size increases, the number of signals (peaks) increases exponentially, leading to signal overlap. Additionally, larger molecules tumble more slowly in solution, causing broader peaks and lower sensitivity. This makes NMR practically limited to relatively small proteins, typically below 30–50 kDa.

Step 4: Conclusion

Large molecular weight is the primary technical hurdle for protein NMR. Final Answer: (C)
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