Status, applications, and effects of microgravity in plants: A systematic review

Date of Publication

8-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Plant Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Mark Christian Felipe R. Redillas

Defense Panel Chair

Yokimiko D. Torrejos

Defense Panel Member

Mark Angelo O. Balendres
Jandeil B. Roperos

Abstract (English)

Gravity is a key environmental force that guides plant development by affecting orientation, nutrient absorption, gas exchange, and gene activity. When gravity is absent or reduced—a condition known as microgravity—these essential processes are disrupted, making it strenuous to grow plants sustainably in space. As space exploration expands and food security becomes increasingly urgent, understanding how plants respond to microgravity is critical. This review aims to: (1) identify trends in plant microgravity research; (2) analyze morphological, physiological, and molecular responses; (3) evaluate microgravity simulation methods; and (4) pinpoint research gaps. Using Publish or Perish, 2,504 articles were collected from five databases–PubMed, Scopus, CrossRef, Semantic Scholar, and Google Scholar–and screened with PRISMA guidelines via Rayyan, yielding 172 for full-text analysis. Findings reveal that microgravity induces pronounced alterations across multiple biological levels. Morphologically, plants displayed disoriented shoot and root development, altered cell wall architecture, and irregular leaf expansion. Physiologically, studies demonstrated suppressed photosynthetic performance, damaged water and ion transport, and suppressed nutrient capture—activities that reduce plant productivity. Molecularly, transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that differentially expressed genes were present within auxin-signaling, stress response, and cytoskeleton dynamic pathways. The effects are especially critical for early developmental stages, and the most frequently employed species is Arabidopsis thaliana. Imaging and microscopy dominated analytical methods, while spaceflight remained the gold-standard microgravity model. Ground-based techniques such as clinostats and random positioning machines (RPMs) were also commonly utilized for simulating partial gravity conditions. Despite growing interest in this field, key gaps remain. Most studies focus on model species and early growth stages, limiting relevance to full crop cycles. Reproductive development, long-term adaptation, and food-producing non-model plants are rarely examined. Moreover, integrative studies linking morphological, physiological, and molecular responses are still underutilized. This review synthesizes current knowledge on plant responses to microgravity and underscores the need for broader, integrated research. It highlights key trends and gaps to support advancements in space farming and food security on Earth.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

"-"

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Reduced gravity environments; Plant physiology; Space agriculture

Upload Full Text

wf_yes

Embargo Period

8-7-2025

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS