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Related Experiment Videos

Effects of gravity on early development.

J Neubert1, A Schatz, B Bromeis

  • 1DLR (German Aerospace Research Establishment), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Section Biology, Cologne, Germany.

Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|September 7, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Embryonic and larval development in South African Toads (Xenopus laevis) proceeded normally across various gravity conditions, including microgravity. Aberrations observed during altered gravity normalized upon return to Earth's gravity.

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Biology
  • Space Biology
  • Gravitational Biology

Background:

  • The South African Toad (Xenopus laevis) is a model organism for studying embryonic and larval development.
  • Environmental stimuli, particularly gravity, are crucial for normal biological development.
  • Understanding development under altered gravity is essential for space exploration and astrobiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of hypergravity, simulated microgravity, and actual microgravity on Xenopus laevis development.
  • To assess the sensitivity of early developmental stages to gravitational changes.
  • To examine the impact of altered gravity on the development of the vestibular system.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of Xenopus laevis embryos and larvae to hypergravity (up to 5 g) using a centrifuge.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Simulated 0 g conditions using a fast-rotating clinostat.
  • Experiments during parabolic flights (alternating low and hypergravity) and in space (Spacelab missions D1, D-2).

    • Main Results:

    • Embryonic and larval development processes in Xenopus laevis were not significantly impaired in altered gravity environments.
    • Observed behavioral and morphological aberrations normalized after the return to 1 g.
    • Development, differentiation, and morphology of gravity-perceiving vestibular organs (macula-organs) remained unaffected by different g-levels.

    Conclusions:

    • Xenopus laevis embryonic and larval development is robust and adaptable to a range of gravitational conditions.
    • The vestibular system's development is resilient to significant gravitational variations experienced during spaceflight.
    • This study supports the use of Xenopus laevis as a model for understanding fundamental biological processes in space.