[Patterns in the growth and functioning of single-cell organisms under conditions of altered gravitational force]

The results of studies over many years on various types of unicellular free-swimming organisms in conditions of altered gravity (hyper-, hypo-, and microgravity ranging from 10(-5) to 5 g) were reviewed. Laws governing their growth and functioning under these conditions were established. In general, gravisensing of unicellular free-swimming organisms depends on their metabolic activity and mobility, on the one hand, and on the environmental conditions of the population, on the other. A working hypothesis on the priority of ecophysiological properties (environment, metabolic activity, and mobility) over morphological properties (mass, dimensions, and shape) in receiving and processing of gravity stimuli at the cellular level has been formulated.