Simulated microgravity (SMG) and bacteria.
This past century has been a scientific revolution in the understanding of the cell as the basic unit of life. However an immense paucity of knowledge exists on microbial growth, survival, function and structure in space. However, there are significant constraints placed on conducting biological research in space such as time, available stowage space, trained personnel, power requirements, weight and the possibility of accidental microbiological contamination. One Earth-based approach is to use a modification of a clinostat known as a HARV (high-aspect-ratio-vessel; Synthecon Inc., Houston, Texas, USA) to conduct this research. In this note we describe the use of the HARV to examine the effects of randomized microgravity (RMG) on bacterial growth and membrane polarization.
Huitema
Carly
C
Department of Environmental Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1. jtrevors@uoguelph.ca
Beaudette
Lee A
LA
Trevors
Jack T
JT
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002462:Cell Membrane; D004161:Diphenylhexatriene / Q000032:analysis; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000737:chemistry / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D005454:Fluorescence Polarization; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000032:analysis; D005990:Glycerol / Q000378:metabolism; D008560:Membrane Fluidity; D014893:Weightlessness; D018474:Weightlessness Simulation / Q000295:instrumentation*
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D004161:Diphenylhexatriene; D005990:Glycerol