Investigation of Space Flight Effects on Escherichia Coli Growth

Document Number: 941260

Date Published: June 1994

Author(s):
David M. Klaus - University of Colorado
Marvin W. Luttges - University of Colorado
Louis S. Stodieck - University of Colorado

Abstract:
It is hypothesized that the weightless environment experienced during space flight has a stimulating effect on the growth rate of microorganisms. This theory was tested with the bacterium Escherichia coli using protocols and supporting hardware evolved over five space shuttle missions between April, 1991 and July, 1993. In comparing 38 bacterial growth experiments across multiple flights, the overall average population density of E. coli achieved in space was 88% greater than that of matched ground controls (N=19 flight, 19 ground, p\ml0.05). Depending on test variables, growth increases in space of up to 257% over ground controls were observed. Analysis of bacterial proteins by gel electrophoresis indicated an apparent difference in expressed protein between flight and ground control E. coli samples in the range of 20-30 kD.

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See other papers presented at International Conference On Environmental Systems, June 1994, Friedrichshafen, GERMA, Session: International Conference On Environmental Systems

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