[Ultrastructural changes after space flight in Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) DC].
OBJECTIVE
To substantiate the effect of space conditions on medicinal plants.


METHODS
The seeds of platycodon grandiflorumg were set up in retrievable satellites. After returning to earth, the ultrastructural changes of leaves were studied.


RESULTS
Under light microscope, the leaf tissue structure of the flight group and the earth controlled group were alike and under electron microscope, some differences could be found in the nucleus and choloroplasts between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Space environment has some effect on Platycodon grandiflorum, and the effect needs to be further explored.
Institute of Medicinal Plants, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100094.
W
W
Gao
S
S
Zhao
L
L
Xue
L
L
Quan
P
P
Xiao
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002736:Chloroplasts / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005118:Extraterrestrial Environment; D020450:Heavy Ions; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000166:cytology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D031238:Platycodon / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development; D013026:Space Flight; D014893:Weightlessness