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Differential Gravity Induced Absorption Changes in Coleoptiles of Zea mays as measured with the Single Wavelength Space Discriminator (SWSD)

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Abstract

Various spectroscopic experiments performed on the AIRBUS ZERO G in the years 2002 to 2011 clearly exhibited optical reflection/absorption changes as a result of gravitational changes (GIACs) in Arabidopsis, Phycomyces sporangiophores, avena or maize coleoptiles. Minute differential absorption/ reflection changes (Δ GIAC) between the upper and lower site of horizontally placed maize coleoptiles were detected at the gravisensing tip during flight parabolas in response to hyper- and microgravity. For this purpose we had developed a Single Wavelength Space Discriminator (SWSD) as based on the former Micro Dual Wavelength Spectrophotometer (MDWS). The SWSD allows to tilt and rotate the coleoptile and the sensing light fiber tips independently in all directions. Thus we were able to discriminate between asymmetrical/vertical, i.e. sensitive, and symmetrical/ horizontal, i.e. non-sensitive arrangement of the light fiber tips.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fachbereich Biologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch Str.8, 35032, Marburg, Germany

    Werner Schmidt

  2. Universität Konstanz, Fachbereich Biologie, Raiffeisenstr. 2, 78465, Konstanz, Germany

    Werner Schmidt

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Correspondence to Werner Schmidt.

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Schmidt, W. Differential Gravity Induced Absorption Changes in Coleoptiles of Zea mays as measured with the Single Wavelength Space Discriminator (SWSD). Microgravity Sci. Technol. 24, 103–112 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-012-9299-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-012-9299-4

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