Microgravity
Gravity or density-driven convection occurs as protein molecules incorporate into a crystal lattice from the surrounding solution. The layer bordering the crystal (the depletion zone) then contains a less-dense protein concentration, causing the layer to rise. The remaining, denser solution sinks because of gravity, creating eddies that make it difficult for more protein molecules to attach to the crystal in an ordered way.
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Keywords
Details
NASA ID
0101740
Date Created
June 6, 2001
Center
MSFC
Media Type
image
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