Gravity Effects on Single Cells: Techniques, Findings, and Theory

Abstract

This chapter presents a comprehensive and updated overview and discussion of experiments in gravitational biology using single cells. In addition to basic science, it refers to the potential biomedical and biotechnological applications wherever such a preliminary statement is justified. To deepen the understanding of space conditions on single cells, the results obtained from radiation and vibration experiments and balloon flights are included as well. To distinguish between gravity effects and other spaceflight-related effects, gravity-simulating centrifuges on board spacecraft can be used. Other effects such as radiation, vibrations, and accelerations, or a combination of these may affect cells. The term “microgravity” is used for gravity levels below 10-2 G. In space vehicles orbiting the earth, the drag of the extremely rarified atmosphere is sufficient to decelerate the spacecraft at 10-4 to 10-8 G depending on the orbital height. In manned vehicles, accelerations in the range of 10-2 to 10-4 G have to be counted on, depending on the physical activities of the astronauts.