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Spaceflight reduces somatic embryogenesis in orchardgrass (Poaceae)Somatic embryos initiate and develop from single mesophyll cells in in vitro cultured leaf segments of orchard-grass (Dactylis glomerata L.). Segments were plated at time periods ranging from 21 to 0.9 d (21 h) prior to launch on an 11 d spaceflight (STS-64). Using a paired t-test, there was no significant difference in embryogenesis from preplating periods of 14 d and 21 d. However, embryogenesis was reduced by 70% in segments plated 21 h before launch and this treatment was significant at P=0.0001. The initial cell divisions leading to embryo formation would be taking place during flight in this treatment. A higher ratio of anticlinal:periclinal first cell divisions observed in the flight compared to the control tissue suggests that microgravity affects axis determination and embryo polarity at a very early stage. A similar reduction in zygotic embryogenesis would reduce seed formation and have important implications for long-term space flight or colonization where seeds would be needed either for direct consumption or to grow another generation of plants.
Document ID
20040089232
Acquisition Source
Kennedy Space Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Conger, B. V.
(The University of Tennessee Knoxville 37901-1071, United States)
Tomaszewski, Z. Jr
McDaniel, J. K.
Vasilenko, A.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1998
Publication Information
Publication: Plant, cell & environment
Volume: 21
Issue: 11
ISSN: 0140-7791
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-3141
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG10-0221
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG10-0138
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Plant Biology
STS-64 Shuttle Project
Flight Experiment
Non-NASA Center
manned
short duration
NASA Experiment Number 9305005

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