Previous generations of ISS researchers were reliant on Earth laboratories
to carry out significant portions of their research projects.
But increasingly, powerful molecular tools are available on the ISS itself.
Genes in Space applicants are invited to use one or more tools
in the ISS’s Genes in Space toolkit as they plan their experiments.
THE TOOLS
P51TM
fluorescence
viewer
What it does:
A simple tool to visualize fluorescent biomolecules. It’s an easy way to read out experimental results without a need for complicated machinery.
How it’s used:
Scientists can use fluorescence to detect biomolecules in a sample. Some biomolecules, like fluorescent proteins, are naturally fluorescent. Other biomolecules, like DNA or RNA, can be made to fluoresce using special chemicals.
Learn more:
Watch our P51 video
Learn more about the importance of fluorescence in biological research
PCR
(polymerase chain reaction)
thermal cycler
What it does
Makes many copies of one gene or sequence of interest in a DNA or RNA sample. Think of it as a genetic photocopier.
How it’s used
PCR is often a critical first step to other genetic analysis techniques like DNA sequencing or gel electrophoresis.
Learn more
Watch our PCR explainer video
Test your knowledge with our PCR worksheet
BioBits®
cell-free
system
What it does:
It’s a protein factory in a tube. BioBits contain all the molecules and cellular machinery needed to make proteins – just add a DNA sequence you’d like to express.
How it’s used:
Cell-free systems like BioBits can be used to manufacture proteins for all kinds of purposes, from medicine and therapeutics to detecting chemicals in the environment.
Learn more:
Watch our BioBits video
Learn more about cell-free protein expression
USE THEM ALONE OR TOGETHER
By amplifying a gene with PCR, then mixing in a fluorescent DNA binding dye, you can test for the presence of a gene in a DNA sample. This is similar to qPCR, a common molecular biology technique.
Make fluorescent proteins with BioBits, then visualize them with the P51.
Learn more about using BioBits and P51 to visualize biomolecules here.
Amplify a gene with PCR, then express the protein that gene encodes using the BioBits® cell-free system.
Learn more about protein expression using BioBits® here.
THE PLATFORM
The ISS is the world’s only permanently crewed orbital research facility.
The ISS on-orbit laboratory enables scientific research supporting innovation on Earth and serves as a testbed for deep space exploration.