Molecular and plant physiological analyses of the micro-gravity effects on multi-generation studies of Arabidopsis thaliana

The project presented has been selected by NASA/ESA to be carried out on the International Space Station in 2004. The project is divided in 3 parts and these consist of both the pre-, in- and post-flight studies. * In Part I using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant a multi-generation (seed-to-seed) experiment will be performed in the EMCS on the ISS. Growth and development will be followed using physiological parameters and relevant analytical methods: illumin ation, life support, humidity control ,wa ter supply and seed production. The growth, development and seed production will take place in Plant Cultivation Containers (PCC) which our Project Group have developed in a separate contract with ESA. * In Part II gene expression profiling, quantificati on and localisation in A. thaliana exposed to variable g-forces will be obtained by use of cDNA microarray, real-time PCR and transformed plants. As part of the pre-flight activity the expression of se veral thousand genes in A.thaliana seedlings exposed to simulated micro-gravity and Earth gravity has already been analyzed on a cDNA microarray by the Project Group. Space samples will reveal genes and networks controlling plant development that are affected by gravity. * The last scientific goal will be obtained in Part III where we will examine the circumnutations of ecotypes and mutants of Arabidopsis hypocotyls using the EMCS video camera. Studies of circumnutations are relevant for understanding synchronized cellu lar growth in general, spiralisatio n of growth and morphology and finally, symmetry in movement and anatomy of plants.