Gemini-XI S-4 spaceflight radiation interaction experiment. II. Analysis of survival levels and forward-mutation frequencies in Neurospora crassa

Samples of asexual spores of a two-component heterokaryon of Neurospora crassa, collected on Millipore filters or in suspension, were flown aboard the Gemini-XI spacecraft to permit an evaluation of the genetic effects of radiation in combination with spaceflight parameters such as "weightlessn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Radiation research 1969-08, Vol.39 (2), p.436-444
Main Authors: De Serres, F.J, Miller, I.R, Smith, D.B, Kondo, S, Bender, M.A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anoxia
Biological Sciences
Extraterrestrial Environment
Genetic mutation
Irradiation
Medical genetics
Mutation - radiation effects
Neurospora
Neurospora - radiation effects
Neurospora crassa
Radiation dosage
Radiation Genetics
Space Flight
Spacecraft
Spores
Weightlessness
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Summary:Samples of asexual spores of a two-component heterokaryon of Neurospora crassa, collected on Millipore filters or in suspension, were flown aboard the Gemini-XI spacecraft to permit an evaluation of the genetic effects of radiation in combination with spaceflight parameters such as "weightlessness." A ground-base experiment was performed simultaneously as the control. The samples were exposed to different amounts of 32 P β-irradiation, and the survival levels and forward-mutation frequencies in the ad-3 region studied. Analysis of survival and forward-mutation frequency has been completed; characterization of the ad-3 mutants is in progress. The results show that in-flight and ground samples irradiated on filters do not differ significantly either in survival levels or forward-mutation frequencies, confirming the finding of the Gemini-XI blood experiment that no synergism exists between radiation and spaceflight parameters. Significant differences were found among samples irradiated in suspension, however. Levels of survival were higher and frequencies of forward mutation lower in the in-flight samples than in the ground samples. Since these differences do not agree with data from our other tests, they may have been the result of anoxia caused by high temperatures in the spacecraft cabin, instead of protection against the genetic effects of radiation by weightlessness.
ISSN:0033-7587
1938-5404
DOI:10.2307/3572679