Why is molecular and atomic structure important?
Understanding the arrangement and type of atoms in molecules is the key to unlocking their potential. That’s because the behaviour of the molecule is governed by its three dimensional structure and its composition. For example, understanding the structure of molecules is vital in working with proteins, viruses and DNA. It’s the basis of rational drug design and has been used in the creation of the first anti-flu drug Relenza and in the HIV protease inhibitors. Understanding the arrangement and type of atoms is also central to our understanding of the behaviour of many materials. Our ability to develop and work with many advanced materials such as micro-magnets, hydrogen storage materials, novel metal oxides, superconductors, photonic devices, molecular switches and sensors is based on our ability to determine and model their fine atomic structure. The science of analysing the structure of molecules has come a long way in the past 100 years (Box 2: The development of neutron beam scienc
