Biotechnology research in space is predicated on understanding and exploiting the effects of the unique microgravity environment on chemical and biological systems. The results of these experiments could point the way not only to commercial enterprises in space but also to new research directions for laboratories on Earth. Protein crystallization and cell biology are two areas in which microgravity research is particularly promising.

Protein Crystallization

Researchers are interested in determining the structure of proteins because the twists and folds of these complex molecules provide clues to their specific functions and how they have evolved over time. However, for scientists to study their structures, the molecules must be "held in place" through crystallization. Large, good-quality crystals are valued by structural biologists, but some organic molecules are easier to crystallize than others are. In some cases the resolution of important biological questions awaits the ability to produce adequate crystals for...