How the space environment influences organisms: an astrobiological perspective and review

The unique environment of space is characterized by several stress factors, including intense radiation, microgravity, high vacuum and extreme temperatures, among others. These stress conditions individually or in-combination influence genetics and gene regulation and bring potential evolutionary ch...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of astrobiology 2021-04, Vol.20 (2), p.159-177
Main Authors: Prasad, Binod, Richter, Peter, Vadakedath, Nithya, Haag, Ferdinand W. M., Strauch, Sebastian M., Mancinelli, Rocco, Schwarzwälder, Achim, Etcheparre, Emmanuel, Gaume, Nicolas, Lebert, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerospace environments
Agricultural production
Astrobiology
Biological effects
Climate change
Drought
Earth gravitation
Gene regulation
Genetics
Gravity
High vacuum
Ionizing radiation
Life on Earth
Metabolites
Microgravity
New variety
Organisms
Pathogens
Pesticides
Phenotypes
Radiation
Temperature extremes
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Summary:The unique environment of space is characterized by several stress factors, including intense radiation, microgravity, high vacuum and extreme temperatures, among others. These stress conditions individually or in-combination influence genetics and gene regulation and bring potential evolutionary changes in organisms that would not occur under the Earth's gravity regime (1 × g). Thus, space can be explored to support the emergence of new varieties of microbes and plants, that when selected for, can exhibit increased growth and yield, improved resistance to pathogens, enhanced tolerance to drought, low nutrient and disease, produce new metabolites and others. These properties may be more difficult to achieve using other approaches under 1 × g. This review provides an overview of the space microgravity and ionizing radiation conditions that significantly influence organisms. Changes in the genomics, physiology, phenotype, growth and metabolites of organisms in real and simulated microgravity and radiation conditions are illustrated. Results of space biological experiments show that the space environment has significant scientific, technological and commercial potential. Combined these potentials can help address the future of life on Earth, part of goal e of astrobiology.
ISSN:1473-5504
1475-3006
DOI:10.1017/S1473550421000057