More than one thousand plants were put into deep freeze and
sent to the International Space Station in order to determine the effect of
microgravity on plant growth. As the plants are thawed, their RNA will be
sampled using an instrument that will determine the activity of their
approximately 30,000 genes. Gravity itself is a force that strongly affects
biology, as humans who spend a prolonged period of time in space show decreased
bone mass as it is not required to support weight. Similarly, plants that are
grown in low-gravity environments grow taller and thinner, and tend to have
less structural support.
Genes produce RNA
which then code for separate proteins in the genetic process called transcription.
By observing the genetic expression of plants grown in microgravity versus an
identical group grown on Earth, the influence of microgravity on plant genes
can be determined. It has been shown that plants grown with a lack of physical
adversity, such as rain or wind, tend to be less strong and are more
susceptible to diseases and pests. Plants grown in space tend to be more
vulnerable to diseases due to the same mechanism. Therefore, by determining how
to grow plants in space that are resistant to disease, it will be easier to
provide food and oxygen for astronauts in the near future.
I find this
article interesting because it directly relates genetic expression to physical
adversity. As scientists are able to determine how to grow plants that are less
susceptible to disease, it will become more efficient to send astronauts to the International Space Station. In addition, astronauts will be able to go on
longer trips if they can produce their own food without worry, meaning that
humans will be able to explore more of space after this experiment is
completed.
I would never have thought to imagine what happens to plants in space! It's no surprise in the similarity to how the lack of gravity affects plants the same way humans are affected in space. If a way to grow healthier plants in space is discovered, it will be a great benefit for astronauts who are on longer voyages and can produce their own food. I'm very excited to see what will come out of this research in the future.
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