Protein crystal growth in microgravity

The use of protein crystals to determine the detailed molecular structures of proteins is a common laboratory technique used by biochemists throughout the world. While a variety of techniques and approaches may be used to produce crystals of proteins, one requirement is common to all structural studies using protein crystals--the need to have large, well ordered crystals. "Growing" such crystals is a matter of delicately balancing several variables, including the type and pH of buffer solution used, the temperature of the growth environment and the presence of disturbing forces (e.g. gravity). The latter is the only variable that cannot be adjusted or compensated for in the laboratory. There is one method, however, that can eliminate gravitational and vibrational effects when growing crystals--growing them in microgravity. To do this, all the equipment and techniques used in earthbound laboratories must be transported to space. This paper will examine the methods, advantages and drawbacks of doing protein crystal growth and structural analysis in the microgravity environment of space.