Mechanism for enhancing the growth of mung bean seedlings under simulated microgravity

To elucidate a mechanism for enhancing mung bean seedlings’ growth under microgravity conditions, we measured growth, gene expression, and enzyme activity under clinorotation (20 rpm), and compared data obtained to those grown under normal gravity conditions (control). An increase in fresh weight, water content, and lengths were observed in the clinostat seedlings, compared to those of the control seedlings. Real-time PCR showed that aquaporin expression and the amylase gene were upregulated under clinorotation. Additionally, seedlings under clinorotation exhibited a significantly higher amylase activity. Near-infrared image showed that there was no restriction of water evaporation from the seedlings under clinorotation. Therefore, these results indicate that simulated microgravity could induce water uptake, resulting in enhanced amylase activity and seedling growth. Upregulated aquaporin expression could be the first trigger for enhanced growth under clinorotation. We speculated that the seedlings under clinorotation do not use energy against gravitational force and consumed surplus energy for enhanced growth.