Initial investigations using the Dewar served as a proof of concept for the experiment facility. Successive experiment runs using different samples will continue to improve our knowledge of protein crystal structures. S chematic diagram of Space Shuttle Orbiter docked to Mir. The Diffusion-Controled Crystallization Apparatus for Microgravity experiment is designed primarily for the growth of protein crystals in a microgravity environment. In the experiment, a small protein sample is covered by a semipermeable membrane that allows the precipitant solution to pass into the protein solution to initiate the crystallization process.
Diffusion starts on Earth as soon as the chambers are filled.
However, the rate is so slow that no appreciable change occurs before the samples reach orbit one or two days later. Such an apparatus is ideally suited for the long duration Mir missions. The experiment investigates cell attachment patterns and interactions among cell cultures as well as cellular growth and the cellular role in forming functional tissue. The Candle Flames in Microgravity investigation conducted 79 candle tests in the Glovebox in July 1996. An associated goal was to determine the effect of wick size and candle size on burning rate, flame shape and color, and to study interactions between two closely spaced diffusion flames.