Abstract
As a foundation for speculations in exobiology, we are attempting to understand plant responses to extreme environments on Earth. We have emphasized active plant growth at low temperatures and in response to ultraviolet light. We have studied the winter environment in the mountains near Logan, Utah and have found several plants that grow under the snow. We have measured chlorophyll synthesis, carbohydrate levels, and ion balances in these plants and established field experiments with hardy and nonhardy varieties of wheat. In the laboratory we have studied characteristics of three enzymes in two wheat varieties, finding a number of interesting differences in response to ultraviolet and low-temperature treatments. We have also examined cell ultrastructures of three grass species subjected to a range of temperatures. Chloroplasts were most affected at low temperatures, but other organelles were also influenced. Studies of ion balances substantiate the suggestion from ultrastructure work that membranes may exhibit the primary responses to low temperatures. Cytokinins are also implicated in the cold response. We are presently emphasizing the investigation of membranes.
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Lunar Science Institute Contribution.
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Salisbury, F.B., Kimball, S.L., Bennett, B. et al. Active plant growth at freezing temperatures. Space Life Sciences 4, 124–138 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02626348
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02626348