Macromolecular Crystallisation in Microgravity

Details Macromolecular Crystallisation in Microgravity Macromolecular Crystallisation in Microgravity

Jun 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005esasp1281...94t&link_type=abstract

In: Topical Teams in Life & Physical Sciences: Towards new research applications. Edited by Andrew Wilson, coordination: Benny E

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This report describes the crucial position of biological macromolecules (mainly proteins) in the life sciences. If their structures are known, their mechanisms of action can be explained. Structure determination is mainly by X-ray diffraction, and crystal growth is an essential element of this process.The normal procedure for obtaining crystals is trial-and- error, but this is unsatisfactory for theoretical and practical reasons. Fundamental studies on Earth are based mainly on theories developed for small compounds and colloids. This is not completely realistic because of differences in physical properties: the interaction between biological macromolecules is short-range and between small compounds long-range. Colloids are isotropic, whereas biological macromolecules are highly anisotropic. Gravity is a parameter in crystal growth. Removal of this parameter in space could improve crystal quality and extend our knowledge of the growth process. Unfortunately, crystal growth experiments in space have so far given ambiguous results

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