Crystal Protein GFP
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The structure of the beautiful and useful Green Fluorescent Protein (PDB 1GFL, F. Yang) is available as a 3D etching inside a glass block, 65 by 65 by 85mm (about 3 1/2 inches tall), and makes a unique gift for researchers and science fans alike. 

At right is the front view, below is the left view.


Barrel of Fun

GFP, produced naturally by the "crystal jelly" Aequorea victoria, folds up in the form of a curious can-like structure. Through this shielding shape loops a coil of protein with a special sequence of molecules, the "fluorophore" (shown in ball-and-stick). That's where the magic happens. The fluorophore fluoresces — it absorbs invisible ultra-violet light and radiates it in return as glowing green.


Guiding Star

It's an amazingly useful protein for scientific research; tack it on to objects you want to monitor (or just retrovirally modify genomic segments to express the protein) and shine a UV light. Because of its research utility it's become a ubiquitous tool for molecular and cell biology. Indeed, in October of 2008 Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Y. Tsien were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their brilliant contributions to our modern scientific use of GFP, with The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences calling GFP a "guiding star" and likening its research development to the invention of the microscope.


This block ships with clear rubber feet, to avoid scratches on your desk or mantel.  Without a stand, it works best against a dark background.

GFP crystal - $50

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This piece ships on a 1-week turnaround, by Federal Express in the United States, or by Air Mail to other countries. 

GFP front

GFP left

Square Light Stand

White light stand - $23

This white LED stand fits the GFP crystal in vertical orientation.

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