Abstract
This paper describes how changes in the physical behavior of fluids and gases in microgravity can limit the physiological transport and exchange in higher plants. These types of effects are termed indirect effects of microgravity because they are not due to gravity interacting with the mass of the plant body itself. The impact of limiting gravity-dependent transport phenomena has been analyzed by the use of mathematical modeling to simulate and compare biophysical transport in the 1g and spaceflight environments. These data clearly show that the microgravity environment induces significant limitations on basic physiological and biochemical processes within the aerial and rootzone portions of the plant. Furthermore, this mathematical model provides a solid foundation for explaining the physiological effects that have been noted in past spaceflight experiments.
Recommended Citation
D. M. Porterfield, "The Biophysical Limitations in Physiological Transport and Exchange in Plants Grown in Microgravity," Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 177 - 190, Springer, Jul 2002.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s003440010054
Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Keywords and Phrases
Biophysics; Convection; Diffusion, Gas exchange; Hypoxia; Microgravity; Photosynthesis; Reproduction; Rootzone; Transpiration
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0721-7595
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 Springer, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
30 Jul 2002
PubMed ID
12024222
