nematodes in space
Space Genomics:
C. elegans, are the only multicellular organism to have its entire genome sequenced. Now that scientists know their genes, and can detect any changes, they are experimenting with sending nematodes out into space. The goal of this experiment is to see what effect anti-gravity has on them. Scientists can see what effect weightlessness and high levels of space radiation have on a nematodes genome, and gain a better understanding of how space travel affects human genes.
Background Information:
Nematodes are bilaterally symmetrical, unsegmented, worm like organisms. They have simple body plan, surrounded by a strong, durable, outer layer called a cuticle. Nematodes are found in every part of the earth's lithosphere, and can survive in a variety of different climates, altitudes, and terrains. Nematodes can even live in our food, furniture, and body, sometimes causing infection or disease. They have an extremely simple body plan, which lacks a skeleton. Since their genome is so basic, nematodes, Caenorhabditis elegans, have become the first multicellular organism to have their entire genome sequenced. Nematodes can only wiggle and bend their body from side to side, pushing them slowly through the ground. Females lay over 200,000 eggs per day, which makes them one of the largest species on earth, even though scientists estimate that there are over half a million species, undiscovered. Nematodes have been around for hundreds of years, but research is unable to find a common ancestor, because their fossil is so small and their body structure is so simple, which means that their ancestor, would look very similar to a present day nematode. Space exploration can be very damaging to explorers. Space Radiation can cause extreme damage to the immune system, and cause cellular changes, skin rashes, sicknesses, and cancer. Space radiation is in the form of galactic cosmic rays and solar flares. Astronauts, returning from space, in the past have been put on a strict exercise and nutritional diet to help cure some of the sign effects of space radiation, however still they suffer from bone loss because of a loss of essential amino acids, bisphosphonates, and break up in DNA.
Nematodes are bilaterally symmetrical, unsegmented, worm like organisms. They have simple body plan, surrounded by a strong, durable, outer layer called a cuticle. Nematodes are found in every part of the earth's lithosphere, and can survive in a variety of different climates, altitudes, and terrains. Nematodes can even live in our food, furniture, and body, sometimes causing infection or disease. They have an extremely simple body plan, which lacks a skeleton. Since their genome is so basic, nematodes, Caenorhabditis elegans, have become the first multicellular organism to have their entire genome sequenced. Nematodes can only wiggle and bend their body from side to side, pushing them slowly through the ground. Females lay over 200,000 eggs per day, which makes them one of the largest species on earth, even though scientists estimate that there are over half a million species, undiscovered. Nematodes have been around for hundreds of years, but research is unable to find a common ancestor, because their fossil is so small and their body structure is so simple, which means that their ancestor, would look very similar to a present day nematode. Space exploration can be very damaging to explorers. Space Radiation can cause extreme damage to the immune system, and cause cellular changes, skin rashes, sicknesses, and cancer. Space radiation is in the form of galactic cosmic rays and solar flares. Astronauts, returning from space, in the past have been put on a strict exercise and nutritional diet to help cure some of the sign effects of space radiation, however still they suffer from bone loss because of a loss of essential amino acids, bisphosphonates, and break up in DNA.
Question:
Does space radiation and loss of gravity have an effect on the genes of Caenorhabditis elegans, when it is sent up into space?
Hypothesis:
Because astronauts in the past have experienced illnesses and infections, that have been linked as symptoms of break-up in the organisms genome, I predict that space radiation and the loss of gravity will change the genome sequence of the nematodes sent up in their balloon. Since nematodes are such hardy organisms who can evolve and survive in all the earth's climates, I also predict that they will be able to survive this break up of their genome.
Does space radiation and loss of gravity have an effect on the genes of Caenorhabditis elegans, when it is sent up into space?
Hypothesis:
Because astronauts in the past have experienced illnesses and infections, that have been linked as symptoms of break-up in the organisms genome, I predict that space radiation and the loss of gravity will change the genome sequence of the nematodes sent up in their balloon. Since nematodes are such hardy organisms who can evolve and survive in all the earth's climates, I also predict that they will be able to survive this break up of their genome.
Materials Needed:
- Helium latex weather balloon
- 20 Caaenorhabditis elegans
- Video camera
- Steel container to hold nematodes
- Soil
- Parachute
- Genome sequencing equipment
- Tracking device
Experimental Design:
Independent Variable: the nematodes entering space and exposure to radiation
Dependent Variable: the effects radiation has on the nematodes genome
Possible Results:
The nematodes re-sequencing could prove that space radiation has harmful effects on their DNA and genome. After observing their behavior, post space exploration, signs of physical or behavioral changes could prove the harmful sign- effects of loss of gravity and space radiation. Scientists could use this study of changed DNA in nematodes, to design better space equipment for humans sent up into space, and help future astronauts to avoid experiencing some of the harmful sign-effects of space exploration.
Independent Variable: the nematodes entering space and exposure to radiation
Dependent Variable: the effects radiation has on the nematodes genome
- Sequence the DNA of several nematodes, on earth.
- Package the nematodes in soil of the steel container.
- Set up the video camera in the nematode container to observe nematodes.
- Send the nematodes up to space in the helium latex weather balloon.
- An hour after entering the atmosphere, the balloon will pop sending the nematodes into a short period of free fall.
- The nematodes will then parachute back down to earth.
- Track the nematodes descendant spot on earth.
- Take the nematodes who survived and sequence their genome.
- Observe the nematodes for signs of changed physical or behavioral traits.
Possible Results:
The nematodes re-sequencing could prove that space radiation has harmful effects on their DNA and genome. After observing their behavior, post space exploration, signs of physical or behavioral changes could prove the harmful sign- effects of loss of gravity and space radiation. Scientists could use this study of changed DNA in nematodes, to design better space equipment for humans sent up into space, and help future astronauts to avoid experiencing some of the harmful sign-effects of space exploration.