The effect of microgravity on protein crystal growth

Based on the results of microgravity crystallization experiments using the protein canavalin aboard four separate U.S. space shuttle missions, we present visual observations and diffraction data that support the contention that protein crystals of improved quality can be obtained in a microgravity environment. With canavalin, no significant increase in resolution was noted, but an overall improvement in diffraction quality, as judged by...