PCG-STES-MMTP (KAPLAN)
This investigation grows high-quality crystals for ground-based research, which examines the
proteins that are used in transporting carbon into cells.
PCG-STES-MS (THOMAS)
This investigation grows high-quality crystals for ground-based research, which examines 2
proteins, 1 used in the food industry, and the other is used in gene expression.
PCG-STES-RDP (GOLDEN)
This investigation’s primary objective is to grow high-quality crystals for ground-based research,
which are used in X-ray crystallography of the active site of ribonucleic acid (RNA) enzyme.
PCG-STES-RGE (BUNICK)
This investigation grows high-quality crystals for ground-based research, which examines 2
proteins, 1 used in the food industry, and the other is used in gene expression.
PCG-STES-SA (CARTER)
This investigation focuses on the PCG-STES hardware and its ability to provide an environment
to produce high-quality crystals.
PCG-STES-VEKS (ACHARI)
This investigation obtains high-quality crystal for ground-based research. Study of protein
crystals is essential for visualizing proteins and developing new drugs and agricultural products.
EARTH BENEFITS
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical
researchers carry out the process of
protein crystallization in order to grow
large, well-ordered crystals for use in X-
ray diffraction studies. However, on
Earth, the protein crystallization process
is hindered by forces of sedimentation
and convection since the molecules in
the crystal solution are not of uniform
size and weight. This leads to many
crystals of irregular shape and small size
that are unusable for X-ray diffraction. X-
ray diffraction is a complex process that
requires several months to several years
to complete, and the quality of data obtained about the 3-D structure of a protein is directly
dependent on the degree of perfection of the crystals. Thus, the structures of many important
proteins remain a mystery simply because researchers are unable to obtain crystals of high
quality or large size. Consequently, the growth of high-quality, macromolecular crystals for
ISS005E21531 – Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson, Expedition 5
science officer, works the PCG-STES hardware aboard the
International Space Station.