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Clover development during spaceflight: a model system.

J A Guikema·L DeBell·A Paulsen·B S Spooner·P P Wong
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Abstract

The development of legume root nodules was studied as a model system for the examination of gravitational effects on plant root development. In order to examine whether rhizobial association with clover roots can be achieved in microgravity, experiments were performed aboard the KC-135 parabolic aircraft and aboard the sounding rocket mission Consort 3. Binding of rhizobia to roots and the initial stages of root nodule development successfully occurred in microgravity. Seedling germination experiments were performed in the sliding block device, the Materials Dispersion Apparatus, aboard STS-37. When significant hydration of the seeds was achieved, normal rates of germination and seedling development were observed.

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Cell DifferentiationCell DivisionFabaceaeGerminationNitrogen FixationPlant Root CapPlant RootsPlants, MedicinalRhizobiumSeedsSpace FlightSymbiosisTime FactorsWeightlessnessNASA Discipline Cell BiologyNASA Discipline Developmental BiologyNASA Discipline Number 93-10NASA Program NSCORTNon-NASA CenterJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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J A Guikema, L DeBell, A Paulsen, B S Spooner, P P Wong. 1994. Clover development during spaceflight: a model system.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0273-1177(94)90401-4

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