Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31173: How Bacteria Share Genes in Space: Studying Conjugation on the ISS

Bacteria are some of the smallest and simplest life forms on Earth, but they have an amazing trick: they can exchange genetic material with each other through a process called conjugation. This process plays a big role in the spread of antibiotic resistance and the evolution of microbial species. But how does this biological exchange happen when the bacteria are in space?

To find out, Russian scientists led by Yu. Zerov from Biopreparat conducted a series of experiments across ISS Expeditions 7 through 17, aimed at optimizing genetic material transmission via bacterial conjugation in microgravity. These missions were backed by the State Space Corporation ROSCOSMOS.

Why focus on conjugation in space? Because understanding how microbes behave in space environments is essential for the health of astronauts and for planning long-duration space travel. Bacteria travel with astronauts on all missions, living on their skin, in their guts, and on spacecraft surfaces. If their gene-sharing behavior changes in microgravity, it could have important implications for infection control and biotechnology.

The experiment studied how well bacterial strains could transfer plasmids—small circular DNA molecules that carry genes—from one cell to another while in microgravity. Scientists compared these space-grown bacteria to control samples on Earth, checking for differences in transmission rates, efficiency, and genetic stability.

Interestingly, some strains showed increased rates of conjugation in space. This may be due to stress responses triggered by the unusual conditions of microgravity, such as changes in fluid dynamics, nutrient flow, and radiation exposure. Other factors like altered cell wall structure and motility in space also likely played a role.

The results were eye-opening. If spaceflight encourages more frequent gene exchanges, this could impact how bacteria evolve in closed environments like spacecraft. It also suggests that microbes may adapt more quickly in space than on Earth, raising questions about microbial containment and resistance.

But it’s not all cautionary. This research could also unlock new tools for synthetic biology and genetic engineering. If conjugation can be controlled or enhanced in space, scientists might one day use it to engineer beneficial microbes that produce nutrients, recycle waste, or even manufacture medicines in orbit.

This line of study also ties into planetary protection. As humans venture to Mars and beyond, we need to understand how Earth organisms—especially bacteria—might behave in alien environments. Ensuring we don’t unintentionally introduce highly adaptable microbes to other planets is critical for both ethics and science.

In essence, this experiment helped bridge microbiology with space biology, offering vital insights into how life’s smallest organisms adapt to one of the universe’s harshest environments. It serves as a reminder that even in the vacuum of space, life finds a way to evolve—and that evolution might just be faster than we think.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.