The Wounding Response of A. Thaliana under Simulated Microgravity

As humans explore space for longer periods of time, plants become increasingly important as food sources, filtration, etc. Due to gravitropism, plants grow differently in microgravity than on Earth. This project studies how microgravity affects a plant’s ability to heal after being injured. Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, small pieces of leaf tissue will be cut to simulate an injury. Some samples were grown under normal gravity, while others were placed on a random positioning machine (a device used to simulate microgravity). After two days, the plant cells will be observed under a microscope to see how well they formed a healing tissue called a micro-callus. By measuring and comparing the size of this healing tissue in both groups, the project tests whether microgravity interferes with the plant’s natural healing and regeneration process. Understanding this response is important for future space missions where plants may be needed to survive and grow in space.

Project Notes