NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Characterization of the Protein Crystal Growth Apparatus for Microgravity Aboard the Space StationWe have conducted experiments to determine the equilibration rates of some major precipitants used in protein crystallography aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The solutions were placed in the Protein Crystallization Apparatus for Microgravity (PCAM) which mimic Cryschem sitting drop trays. The trays were placed in cylinders. These cylinders were placed inside a Single locker Thermal Enclosure System (STES), and were activated for different durations during the flight. Bumpers pressed against elastomers seal drops in a deactivated state during pre-flight and prior to transfer to the ISS. Activation occurs while in flight on the ISS by releasing the bumpers allowing the drops to be exposed to the reservoir. PCAM was flown to the ISS on STS 100, Flight 6A, on April 19, 2001. Six series of equilibration experiments were tested for each precipitant with a small amount of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). Cylinder 10 was never activated, 7 was activated for 40 days, 8 was activated for 20 days, 9 was activated for 10 days, 11 was activated for 4 days and 12 was activated for 2 days. Upon the return to Earth by STS 104 on July 24,2001 the samples were transferred to Marshall Space Flight Center. The samples were then brought to the lab and the volumes of each sample were measured.
Document ID
20030002501
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kundrot, Craig E.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Roeber, D.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Achari, A.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Stinson, Thomas N.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Solid-State Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: XIX Congress of the International Union of Crystallography
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Start Date: August 5, 2002
End Date: August 15, 2002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available