Space Algae: Nasa's Study

Introduction to Space Algae

Scientists have grown microscopic algae aboard the International Space Station to investigate how spaceflight affects their genetic stability. The Space Algae-1 experiment grew ultraviolet light-mutagenised Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in the ISS VEGGIE plant growth chamber for approximately 40 mitotic generations over one month.

Whole-genome sequencing of pooled cell samples collected every 10 generations found that the spaceflight cultures had an approximately 50% increase in DNA polymorphisms compared with ground controls. According to Nasa, a novel base substitution signature was identified among the mutations.

Background and Timeline of Space Algae Research

The study of algae in space is not a new concept, but Nasa's Space Algae programme has taken a significant step forward in understanding the effects of spaceflight on microalgae's genetic stability. The programme is part of Nasa's synthetic biology research, which aims to engineer biological systems for space exploration.

The Space Algae-1 experiment was conducted over a period of one month, with whole-genome sequencing carried out on pooled cell samples collected every 10 generations. The results of the experiment have significant implications for the potential use of microalgae in biological life-support systems during long-duration and deep-space missions.

Why Algae Grown on the ISS Showed More DNA Changes

Whole-genome sequencing was carried out on pooled cell samples collected every 10 generations. The sequencing showed that the cultures grown in spaceflight had an approximately 50% increase in DNA polymorphisms compared with ground controls.

The results identified a difference in the genomic changes observed between the cultures grown aboard the ISS and those maintained in ground-based controls. The mutations identified in the spaceflight cultures also had what Nasa describes as a “novel base substitution signature”.

Implications of the Study

According to the agency, the novel base substitution signature suggested a risk that microalgae may be unstable for long-term production in space. The Space Algae research is therefore examining genomic stability in organisms that could have applications in biological life-support systems during space missions.

Nasa's Space Algae Programme

Nasa’s Space Algae programme is based on the potential use of plants and microbes for biological support during crewed space missions. The agency’s Space Algae research specifically focuses on photosynthetic organisms and how their genetic stability could be affected by the conditions of spaceflight.

Understanding these effects is described by Nasa as essential for supporting productivity during long-duration and deep-space missions. The experiments are also connected to Nasa’s wider synthetic biology research, which aims to engineer biological systems that can provide resources for space exploration, including food, life support and materials.

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Expert Perspective

According to experts, the study of algae in space has significant implications for the future of space exploration. The use of biological systems to support human life in space could provide a sustainable and reliable source of food, air, and water.

Implications for Readers in India

The study of algae in space also has implications for readers in India, where space research is a growing field. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been actively involved in space exploration and has launched several missions to study the effects of spaceflight on living organisms.

Space Algae-2 Experiment

Nasa’s subsequent Space Algae-2 experiment focuses on Arthrospira platensis, an edible cyanobacterium commonly known as Spirulina. The experiment seeks to grow serial cultures so that researchers can study how the organism evolves during long-term spaceflight.

Biological responses in the Space Algae-2 cells will be assessed through multi-omics analyses. These analyses will examine mutation load, gene and protein expression, metabolic and nutritional composition, and cell morphology.

What to Watch Next

The results of the Space Algae-2 experiment will provide valuable insights into the long-term adaptation of Spirulina in space. The study of algae in space is an ongoing field of research, and future experiments will continue to explore the potential of microalgae for biological life-support systems in space.

• The Space Algae-1 experiment found a 50% increase in DNA polymorphisms in spaceflight cultures compared to ground controls.
• The Space Algae programme is part of Nasa’s synthetic biology research, which aims to engineer biological systems for space exploration.
• The Space Algae-2 experiment will study the evolution of Spirulina during long-term spaceflight.
• The use of biological systems to support human life in space could provide a sustainable and reliable source of food, air, and water.
• The study of algae in space has significant implications for the future of space exploration and the potential use of biological systems to support human life in space.