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Preliminary characterization of persisting circadian rhythms during space flight
1Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York 13901, USA.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1984
Summary
The circadian rhythm of the fungus Neurospora crassa persisted in space, but its amplitude and variability were altered. This suggests spaceflight affects the fungus's internal biological clock or how it expresses its rhythm.
Area of Science:
- * Astrobiology
- * Chronobiology
- * Mycology
Background:
- * Circadian rhythms are endogenous biological processes that regulate physiological functions over a 24-hour cycle.
- * The space environment presents unique challenges, including microgravity and altered radiation, which may impact biological systems.
- * Neurospora crassa is a model organism for studying circadian rhythms due to its well-characterized conidiation cycle.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the functional integrity of the circadian timing system in the fungus Neurospora crassa during spaceflight.
- * To assess the impact of the space environment on the circadian rhythm of conidiation.
Main Methods:
- * Monitoring the circadian rhythm of conidiation in Neurospora crassa cultures.
- * Conducting the experiment in constant darkness aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-9 flight).
- * Comparing spaceflight data with typical Earth-based observations.
Main Results:
- * A significant reduction in the amplitude of the conidiation rhythm was observed in many cultures during the first 7 days of spaceflight.
- * Some cultures exhibited arrhythmicity, indicating a disruption of the circadian process.
- * Increased variability in growth rate and circadian rhythmicity was noted in space compared to Earth conditions.
Conclusions:
- * The circadian rhythm of Neurospora conidiation can persist in the absence of Earth's environmental cues.
- * Spaceflight conditions appear to alter either the fundamental timekeeping mechanism or the observable expression of the circadian rhythm in Neurospora crassa.