Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31885: Investigating Seedling Development in Microgravity: Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Regulation

In the 'Transcriptional and Post Transcriptional Regulation of Seedling Development in Microgravity' experiment, led by Dr. Imara Perera of North Carolina State University, researchers are investigating how the development of seedlings is regulated in space. This experiment, carried out during Expeditions 47/48 and 49/50 aboard the ISS, aims to identify the genetic mechanisms involved in seedling growth in microgravity.

Microgravity presents a unique challenge to plant growth, particularly during the early stages of seedling development. In normal gravity, seedlings rely on gravity to orient themselves and grow in specific directions. However, in microgravity, seedlings must rely on other environmental cues, leading to changes in their growth patterns. This experiment examines how the genetic regulation of seedling development is affected by these altered environmental conditions.

Through this study, scientists are looking at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, which involves changes in gene expression and the processes that occur after a gene is transcribed. This research is essential for understanding how plants adapt to the space environment, and it has broader implications for improving plant growth strategies here on Earth.

The findings could also help develop more resilient crops for use in space agriculture, a key component of long-term space missions. With better seedling development techniques, astronauts will be able to grow food more effectively on future missions.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

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.