Question: What have you learnt so far about what happens when x-rays are shot at proteins?

Jonny Brooks-Bartlett answered on 21 Jun 2015:

Well we know that the X-rays give energy to the atoms that make up the proteins. When the atoms absorb that energy they get excited and so to calm down they release electrons. Those electrons cause more damage by giving energy to other atoms.
Also there is gas that’s produced. We think it’s hydrogen but we’re not completely sure. It could be carbon dioxide too.
It’s really hard to simulate exactly because there is so much happening.