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Space Magnets Attracting Interest on Earth: Applications of Physical and Biological Techniques In the Study of Gravisensing and Response System of PlantsThe BioTube/Magnetic Field Apparatus (MFA) research is designed to provide insight into the organization and operation of the gravity sensing systems of plants and other small organisms. This experiment on STS-107 uses magnetic fields to manipulate sensory cells in plant roots, thus using magnetic fields as a tool to study gravity-related phenomena. The experiment will be located in the SPACEHAB module and is about the size of a household microwave oven. The goal of the experiment is to improve our understanding of the basic phenomenon of how plants respond to gravity. The BioTube/MFA experiment specifically examines how gravitational forces serve as a directional signal for growth in the low-gravity environment of space. As with all basic research, this study will contribute to an improved understanding of how plants grow and will have important implications for improving plant growth and productivity on Earth. In BioTube/MFA, magnetic fields will be used to determine whether the distribution of subcellular starch grains, called amyloplasts, within plant cells predicts the direction in which roots will grow and curve in microgravity.
Document ID
20030011389
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Hasenstein, Karl H.
(Louisiana Univ. Lafayette, LA United States)
Boody, April
(NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL United States)
Cox, David
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
December 16, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: STS 107 Shuttle Press Kit: Providing 24/7 Space Science Research
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
NASA/KSC-2002-057f
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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