terrestrial and microgravity research. Large, high-quality crystals are necessary for the
determination of the molecular structure of macromolecules by X-ray diffraction analysis.
Previous research has demonstrated that macromolecular crystals grown in microgravity are
frequently larger and more perfectly formed than their Earth grown counterparts. This
improvement in size and quality translates into X-ray diffraction data of higher resolution and
intensity, yielding better structural information about the molecule.
SPACE BENEFITS
The crystals grown in microgravity are able to grow larger and more organized than on Earth.
The research done on these crystals may further human space exploration efforts by
technological and biological advancements developed as a direct result from this research.
RESULTS
DCPCG was the first flight test of an apparatus designed to control the crystal growth process
by controlling the rate of evaporation. The apparatus worked in orbit, and crystals were grown
for the test proteins; however, the investigators determined that the growth could have been
better. The same apparatus was used in extensive testing on the ground. Researchers tested a
selection of protein solutions, including insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas to
regulate the metabolism and use of sugar), serum albumin, and lysozyme (an enzyme that
attacks bacteria) and found that a slower evaporation rate yielded better results than a more
rapid evaporation rate. While the results of the ground tests were published, the DCPCG
experiment investigators did not seek to publish any structures from crystals grown in orbit.
Additional flights were originally scheduled for this investigation until funding was removed.
Due to the loss of funding, no additional analysis was performed.
This investigation is complete and all results are published.