The influence of spaceflight on Chlorella

Area of Science:

• * Astrobiology and space biology.
• * Microgravity and radiation effects on cellular life.

Background:

• * Chlorella algae are a model organism for studying cellular responses to environmental stressors.
• * Spaceflight presents unique challenges including microgravity and radiation exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the effects of spaceflight on Chlorella cell survival, mutation rates, and developmental processes.
• * To analyze the specific impacts of the Zond-5 mission on Chlorella strains LARG-1 and LARG-3.

Main Methods:

• * Cultivation of synchronized Chlorella cell suspensions in specialized spaceflight containers.
• * Microscopic examination of Chlorella strains (LARG-1, LARG-3) post-flight to assess cell stage and morphology.
• * Estimation of autospore number during sporulation to study cell division dynamics.

Main Results:

• * Reduced percentage survival of Chlorella cells exposed to spaceflight compared to control groups.
• * Delayed cellular development observed in spaceflight-affected Chlorella samples.
• * Increased incidence of visible mutations in the experimental Chlorella populations.

Conclusions:

• * Spaceflight significantly affects Chlorella cell viability and development.
• * Exposure to space conditions can induce genetic mutations in Chlorella.
• * Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of space travel on microorganisms.