Hi all,
 
I have a reviewer challenging the number of digits to the right of the decimal point that I have reported in a submitted manuscript.  I had reported 3 digits to the right, frankly because that is what most of the programs I use report and the PDB coordinate file reports 3 digits to the right of the decimal in the CRYST1 record.  The reviewer doubts that the value is accurate to that many digits, and suggested reporting to the tenth of an Angstrom.  In corresponding with the PDB, they allow 3 digits to the right of the decimal, but even if one gives the PDB, say 51.1 A as an axis, the CRYST1 record will be padded and will appear as 51.100A.
 
So my question is .... how does one determine what is a valid accuracy or precision in unit cell axes?  To be honest, I'm not sure what all the numbers are, and how many significant digits they have, that are used in calculating unit cell axes. 
 
In my particular case, I have data to 1.73 A, synchrotron radiation, 0.41 degree mosacity.  All unit cells are less than 115 A. 
 
Thanks for any insight.
 
Regards,
Marilyn
 
Marilyn D. Yoder
Division of Cell Biology & Biophysics
School of Biological Sciences
University of Missouri-Kansas City
5007 Rockhill Rd.
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499
phone 816-235-1503
fax 816-235-1503
 

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