[Effect of space flight on ultrastructure of chloroplast in Agastache rugosa].
OBJECTIVE
To substantiate the effects of space condition on medicinal plants, the seeds of Agastache rugosa were set up in retrievable satellites.


METHODS
After returning to earth, the ultrastructural changes of chloroplasts were examined by means of electron microscope.


RESULTS
Vesicles could be seen in the chloroplasts in the cells of earth controlled group, it was few and could not be found in the chloroplasts in the cells of weightless group and hit group. Some chloroplasts were degrading in the cells of weightless group, but this phenomenon was not observed in the cells of the other two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These results showed that space environment had some effect on the ultrastructure of chloroplasts in Agastache rugosa.
Gao
W
W
Key Laboratory for the Development and Conservation of Chinese Materia Medica, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, CAMS and PUMC, Beijing 100094.
Zhao
S
S
Xue
L
L
Fu
R
R
Xiao
P
P
D031327:Agastache / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002736:Chloroplasts / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012639:Seeds / Q000254:growth & development; D013026:Space Flight