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Experiment "Seeds" on Biokosmos 9. Dosimetric part
B Baican1, E Schopper, T h Wendnagel
1University of Frankfurt, Germany.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Cosmic radiation on the Biokosmos 9 satellite caused mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. Dosimetric data revealed a significant contribution from intermediate Linear Energy Transfer (LET) radiation, primarily from medium-heavy particles.
Area of Science:
- Space Biology
- Radiation Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Investigating the mutagenic effects of cosmic radiation is crucial for understanding space travel risks.
- Arabidopsis thaliana is a model organism widely used in plant genetics research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To observe mutagenic effects on Arabidopsis thaliana seeds caused by cosmic radiation particles.
- To analyze dosimetric data from different shielding conditions on the Biokosmos 9 satellite.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two types of exposure units (Type I and Type II) with varying shielding (1.4-18 g/cm2).
- Employed nuclear emulsion and AgCl track detectors for dosimetry.
- Analyzed cosmic radiation by charge and Linear Energy Transfer (LET) groups.
Main Results:
- Presented initial dosimetric data from the Biokosmos 9 'Seeds' experiment.
- Observed a notable contribution from the intermediate LET group (350-1000 MeV/cm).
- Identified medium-heavy particles (Z = 6-10) and particle enders as sources of this radiation.
Conclusions:
- Cosmic radiation poses a mutagenic risk to plant seeds.
- Understanding radiation composition, including LET and particle types, is essential for space biology studies.
