Design of a micro-focus X-ray source validated by model protein crystals

The main objective of this thesis was to build a Laboratory Microfocus X-ray Source for Protein Crystallography (LMXS-PC), an X-ray source that would provide prospective users programmatic control and remote capability.;A study of the crystal was conducted using Photoactive Yellow protein (PYP) and cytochrome c nitrite reductase (ccNiR). The instrument was then tested by mounting the crystal in the instrument and collecting data.;The other objective of my research work was to determine the crystal structure of PYP using X-ray crystallography techniques. I attempted many trials in PYP crystal in an effort to achieve a high-quality diffraction pattern; however, crystals diffract to less than 2 A resolution limit. My interest in the crystal of Photoactive Yellow Protein to understand how electron density is obtained from the information contained within the diffraction patterns.