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Insect gravitational biology: ground-based and shuttle flight experiments using the beetle Tribolium castaneumMany of the traditional experimental advantages of insects recommend their use in studies of gravitational and space biology. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an obvious choice for studies of the developmental significance of gravity vectors because of the unparalleled description of regulatory mechanisms controlling oogenesis and embryogenesis. However, we demonstrate that Drosophila could not survive the conditions mandated for particular flight opportunities on the Space Shuttle. With the exception of Drosophila, the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is the insect best characterized with respect to molecular embryology and most frequently utilized for past space flights. We show that Tribolium is dramatically more resistant to confinement in small sealed volumes. In preparation for flight experiments we characterize the course and timing of the onset of oogenesis in newly eclosed adult females. Finally, we present results from two shuttle flights which indicate that a number of aspects of the development and function of the female reproductive system are not demonstrably sensitive to microgravity. Available information supports the utility of this insect for future studies of gravitational biology.
Document ID
20040112242
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Bennett, R. L.
(Kansas State University Manhattan 66506-4901, United States)
Abbott, M. K.
Denell, R. E.
Spooner, B. S.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: The Journal of experimental zoology
Volume: 269
Issue: 3
ISSN: 0022-104X
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1197
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2328
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Developmental Biology
STS-57 Shuttle Project
NASA Discipline Number 93-10
short duration
Non-NASA Center
Flight Experiment
STS-54 Shuttle Project
manned
NASA Discipline Cell Biology
NASA Program NSCORT

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