Emerald Crystals (IMAGE) Arizona State University Caption Fromme's research project was started seven years ago as postdoctoral researcher Iosifina Sarrou first improved the preparation of the heliobacterial reaction center. After many initial trials of crystallization, an X-ray diffracting crystal charge was found. "This is the moment a crystallographer is waiting for," said Raimund Fromme, explaining the years it can take to grow the perfect protein crystal suitable for X-ray studies (shown on the left). The figure on the right is the diffraction pattern after the crystals were exposed to X-rays. Scientists can understand the 3-D structure of a protein from these patterns. Credit ASU Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.