How the space environment influences organisms: An astrobiological perspective and review

Prasad B, Richter P, Vadakedath N, Haag F, Strauch SM, Mancinelli R, Schwarzwälder A, Etcheparre E, Gaume N, Lebert M (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Book Volume: 20

Pages Range: 159-177

Journal Issue: 2

DOI: 10.1017/S1473550421000057

Abstract

The unique environment of space is characterized by several stress factors, including intense radiation, microgravity, high vacuum and extreme temperatures, among others. These stress conditions individually or in-combination influence genetics and gene regulation and bring potential evolutionary changes in organisms that would not occur under the Earth's gravity regime (1 × g). Thus, space can be explored to support the emergence of new varieties of microbes and plants, that when selected for, can exhibit increased growth and yield, improved resistance to pathogens, enhanced tolerance to drought, low nutrient and disease, produce new metabolites and others. These properties may be more difficult to achieve using other approaches under 1 × g. This review provides an overview of the space microgravity and ionizing radiation conditions that significantly influence organisms. Changes in the genomics, physiology, phenotype, growth and metabolites of organisms in real and simulated microgravity and radiation conditions are illustrated. Results of space biological experiments show that the space environment has significant scientific, technological and commercial potential. Combined these potentials can help address the future of life on Earth, part of goal e of astrobiology.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) India (IN) Universidade da Região de Joinville (UNIVILLE) Brazil (BR) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) United States (USA) (US) Space Biology Unlimited SAS France (FR)

How to cite

APA:

Prasad, B., Richter, P., Vadakedath, N., Haag, F., Strauch, S.M., Mancinelli, R.,... Lebert, M. (2021). How the space environment influences organisms: An astrobiological perspective and review. International Journal of Astrobiology, 20(2), 159-177. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1473550421000057

MLA:

Prasad, Binod, et al. "How the space environment influences organisms: An astrobiological perspective and review." International Journal of Astrobiology 20.2 (2021): 159-177.

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