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Physical parameters affecting living cells in space
1Battelle-Institute. V., Physical Technologies Department, Frankfurt, FRG.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Living cells sense gravity through mechanisms like hydrostatic pressure and convection. Understanding these cellular responses is crucial for space biology research and requires further investigation into microgravity effects.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Space science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Cells possess mechanisms to sense gravity, influencing transport and metabolism.
- Gravity affects cellular processes through hydrostatic pressure and convection-driven density changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore cellular responses to the absence of gravity.
- To identify potential gravity sensors and mechanisms within living cells.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of physical parameters like pressure, sedimentation, and convection.
- Analysis of hydrostatic pressure effects on cell membranes and ion transport.
- Order of magnitude analysis of residual accelerations for space experiments.
Main Results:
- Reduced convection under microgravity impacts species transport and metabolism.
- Hydrostatic pressure differences across cell membranes may alter electric potential, suggesting a role in graviperception.
- Residual accelerations tolerable in materials science experiments are outlined, with rough estimates for life sciences.
Conclusions:
- Cellular reactions to gravity absence are likely mediated by pressure and convection.
- Further research is needed to fully understand cellular graviperception and its implications for space life sciences.