Macromolecular Crystal Growth in Microgravity
作者:
Alexander McPherson,
期刊:
Crystallography Reviews
(Taylor Available online 1996)
卷期:
Volume 6,
issue 2
页码: 157-305
ISSN:0889-311X
年代: 1996
DOI:10.1080/08893119608035398
出版商: Taylor & Francis Group
关键词: protein crystals;virus crystals;microgravity;space science;X-ray diffraction;convection;diffusive transport;crystal growth mechanisms
数据来源: Taylor
摘要:
Evidence from a variety of space experiments confirms that gravity does, in some cases, have a significant effect on the crystallization of macromolecules. This has been demonstrated by numerous investigators employing a wide range of instruments and proteins. In the absence of gravity, convective transport of solute is eliminated and pure diffusion predominates. This has the consequence of producing local regions of reduced supersaturation thereby enhancing conditions for optimal growth. In addition, sedimentation of microcrystals and large impurities onto the surfaces of growing crystals, as well as direct contact between crystals, is minimized. The mechanisms for biological macromolecule crystallization, the unique features of their growth, and techniques for growing and characterizing crystals of proteins and viruses are described. The instruments currently available and under development for macromolecular crystal growth and its study in microgravity are reviewed.
点击下载:
PDF (14480KB)
返 回