Difference between revisions of "Kratky plot"
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* Other conformations can also potentially be distinguished: | * Other conformations can also potentially be distinguished: | ||
** Pseudo-linear rise for [[Rod-like scaling|rod-like]] conformation | ** Pseudo-linear rise for [[Rod-like scaling|rod-like]] conformation | ||
| − | ** High-q upturn from the plateau indicates worm-like chain | + | ** High-''[[q]]'' upturn from the plateau indicates worm-like chain |
** In polymer gels, a peak may indicate the presence of inhomogeneities, such as [[Example:Polymer clustering|clustering]]. | ** In polymer gels, a peak may indicate the presence of inhomogeneities, such as [[Example:Polymer clustering|clustering]]. | ||
** etc. | ** etc. | ||
Latest revision as of 08:58, 25 July 2015
A Kratky plot is obtained by plotting scattering intensity as vs. (instead of simply vs. ). This representation divides-out the decay of the scattering, making certain other features more evident.
In particular, a Kratky analysis is often performed on polymer solutions. Here, the shape of the curve in the Kratky plot helps identify the conformation of the polymer chain:
- A rise to a plateau indicates an unfolded chain (random coil)
- A distinct peak is indicative of a compact or folded conformation for the chain (in biological studies, this may be a protein in a well-defined/folded state).
- Other conformations can also potentially be distinguished:
- Pseudo-linear rise for rod-like conformation
- High-q upturn from the plateau indicates worm-like chain
- In polymer gels, a peak may indicate the presence of inhomogeneities, such as clustering.
- etc.
Practical
The validity of a Kratky analysis is strongly dependent on data quality. Only with a very careful and representative background subtraction can the analysis be considered reliable.
