[Studies on the effects of space flight on Carthamus tinctorius L].
OBJECTIVE
To substantiate the effects of space condition of medicinal plants.


METHODS
The seeds of Carthamus tinctorius were sent to space in retrievable satellites. After returning to earth, the seeds were stored at 0-4 degrees C, and cultured in the test field in the spring of next year. The peroxidases, soluble proteins and ultrastructure of leaves were studied in flowering stage.


RESULTS
The peroxidase activity of the flight group was lower than that of the earth controlled group, and the protein content of the flight group was higher than that of the earth controlled group. The main bands in electrophoresis patterns of peroxidases and proteins were alike, and some bands were different. Some changes could be observed in the ultrastructure of chloroplast between the flight group and the earth controlled group.


CONCLUSIONS
Space environments have some effect on Carthamus tinctorius. The results of this experiment are consistent with those of the previous experiment.
Institute of Medicinal Plants, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing.
W
W
Gao
S
S
Zhao
L
L
Xue
L
L
Quan
P
P
Xiao
D031187:Carthamus tinctorius / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D020450:Heavy Ions; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D013026:Space Flight; D014893:Weightlessness
D010940:Plant Proteins; D009195:Peroxidase