[Biological techniques in space].

Abstract

The review is dedicated to the biotechnological studies in space. The main directions of studies in the space biotechnology are the developments of life support systems, crystallogenesis of biological macromolecules, separation of proteins and cells with the help of electrophoresis as well as the studies of cellular, subcellular and molecular processes induced by the spaceflight factors effect. The experience gained in the cultivation of unicellular organisms, the selection of perspective species and strains of microorganisms, the use of them in the ecological life-support system under development is considered in detail. The development of tooling designed for performing the overall technological chain ranged from growing the cell cultures to isolating the individual macromolecules and their storage has been followed. Findings gained in the studies of the transmittance of genetic material in the microorganisms allow one to hope that in perspective the microgravity conditions will be capable of cultivating the highly effective strains of the producers.