Transgenic Plant Biomonitors: Stress Gene Biocompatibility Evaluation of the Plant Growth Facility for PGIM-01

The initial task in the preparation for Flight Experiment PGIM-01 (Plant Growth in Microgravity - 01) was the optimization of the plant nutrient system within the environment of the Plant Growth Facility (PGF – a Space Shuttle middeck locker plant growth unit). PGIM-01 entailed using the Transgenic Arabidopsis Gene Expression System (TAGES) to monitor effects of spaceflight-associated stress on gene expression. TAGES plants are genetically engineered arabidopsis plants designed with a sensitive reporter gene system that responds to a variety of environmental stresses. However, transgene expression can also be influenced by background environmental conditions. Thus, minimizing sources of background stress on the plants was crucial to ensure optimal growth and a high scientific return.