Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32489: The Space Genetics of Arabidopsis: Unlocking Plant Secrets in Orbit

How do plants behave in space? Can we genetically engineer them to survive the harsh environment of orbit? These are the kinds of questions tackled by the "Transgenic Arabidopsis Gene Expression System" aboard the ISS.

Led by Dr. Robert Ferl and Dr. Anna-Lisa Paul from the University of Florida, this experiment focused on using a small, hardy plant called Arabidopsis thaliana. Arabidopsis is a favorite among scientists because its genetic makeup is simple and well-understood, making it a perfect candidate for testing gene expression in microgravity.

On Earth, gravity plays a significant role in guiding plant development. Roots grow downward, and stems grow upward, thanks to gravitational cues. But what happens when those cues are gone? Using genetically modified Arabidopsis plants, the researchers studied how specific genes turned on or off in space. These genes included those involved in stress responses, growth, and nutrient uptake.

By growing these transgenic plants aboard the ISS during Expeditions 21/22 and 23/24, scientists could observe changes in gene expression in real-time. They used fluorescent markers to highlight gene activity, essentially watching plant cells glow as certain genes were activated or suppressed.

Understanding how plants react and adapt in microgravity is critical for future long-term space missions. Plants not only provide oxygen and food for astronauts, but they also help recycle waste and maintain air quality in closed environments. This experiment is a key step toward developing crops that can thrive in space greenhouses or Martian habitats.

The results from this study also contribute to biotechnology on Earth. Knowing how genes function under extreme conditions helps in engineering plants for drought resistance, better yields, and improved resilience.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in 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.