[The effects of space condition on the germination of medicinal plant Carthamus tinctorius].
OBJECTIVE
To substantiate the effects of space condition on the growth and development of medicinal plants.


METHODS
The seeds of Carthamus tinctorius L. were set up in retrievable satellites. After returning earth, the germination of these seeds were observed by electrophoresis. The isozymes of peroxidases, esterase and soluble proteins were also evaluated.


RESULTS
The average seed germinative rate of the space flight group was higher than that of the earth controlled group, and the peroxidase activity of the space flight group was higher than that of the earth controlled group either. The electrophoresis patterns of isozymes and proteins between the space flight group and the earth controlled group showed only little difference in bud bursting stage.


CONCLUSIONS
Weightlessness and radiation in space affect the germination of Carthamus tinctorius, and they show little effect on gene expression in the stage of germination. Weightlessness may be the important factor to improve the peroxidase activity.
Gao
W Y
WY
Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Beijing.
Zhao
S P
SP
Xue
L
L
D003359:Cosmic Radiation; D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant / Q000528:radiation effects; D018525:Germination / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D010544:Peroxidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013026:Space Flight; D014893:Weightlessness
D010940:Plant Proteins; D010544:Peroxidases