Impact of Perchlorate Ion on Seed Germination in Martian Soil
This study investigates how the perchlorate ion in simulated Martian soil affects Solanum lycopersicum seed germination in microgravity. The experimental design, analysis methods, hypotheses, and challenges encountered during the research are detailed. Through examining various parameters like seedling weight, radicle length, lateral root structure, and seed count, the study aims to understand the effects of perchlorate on plant growth under Martian soil conditions in simulated microgravity.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
You are allowed to download the files provided on this website for personal or commercial use, subject to the condition that they are used lawfully. All files are the property of their respective owners.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
The Effects of the Perchlorate Ion in Simulated Martian Soil on Solanum lycopersicum Seed Germination in Microgravity Sabrina Benitez (Co-Principal Investigator) Juan Pablo Flanagan (Co-Principal Investigator) Sofia Escobar (Co-Principal Investigator) Laura Nikstad (Teacher Facilitator) International Baccalaureate at Lamar Academy McAllen, Texas
How does the perchlorate ion in simulated Martian soil affect Solanum lycopersicum seed germination in microgravity?
Experimental Design Group 1 Group 3 Group 2 Earth Conditions Martian Soil Martian Soil & Microgravity Earth gravity Earth gravity Microgravity 1. Earth soil with 15 tomato seeds 1. Martian simulated soil (with sodium perchlorate) with 15 tomato seeds 1. Martian simulated soil (with sodium perchlorate) with 15 tomato seeds 2. Distilled water 2. Distilled water 2. Distilled water 3. Fixative 3. Fixative 3. Fixative
Analyzing Results Dry weight of the germinated seedlings Count germinated and ungerminated seeds Dry and weigh Radicle Length Measure radicle length Count lateral roots Examine lateral root position
Hypothesis How does the perchlorate ion in simulated Martian soil affect Solanum lycopersicum seed germination in microgravity? Limited seed growth in Group 2 and Group 3 High solute (perchlorate) concentration in soil Could inhibit osmosis Radicle Length and Lateral Root Structure Perchlorate shorter radicals Microgravity lateral root growth evenly distributed along radical rather than concentrated at the end
Seed count Ground Truth Challenges Initial seed count too low Trials conducted to optimize seed count Water volume Too little no growth Too much drown the seeds FME Mini-Lab Size Limited volume Shape challenges Extract the seedlings without destroying them Disperse water throughout the soil sample Soil types Initial soil = chunky and dry Sifted to form powdery, fine grain soil Allows better diffusion of water Easier to access germinated seeds without destroying them
Image References The Hubble Heritage Team. Mars Near Opposition 1995-2005: 2003. Digital image. HubbleSite. NASA, 3 Nov. 2005. Web. 9 June 2016. <http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2005/34/image/j/>. A Still from The Martian. Digital image. Matt Damon's The Martian Rules North American Box Office. NDTV Movies, 26 Oct. 2015. Web. 9 June 2016. <http://movies.ndtv.com/hollywood/matt-damons-the-martian-rules-north-american-box-office- 1236546>. Mauna Loa. Digital image. Wired. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 June 2016. <https://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/GettyImages-491821494.jpg>. The Martian: potato growth on Mars. Digital image. Modern Farmer. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 June 2016. <Modernfarmer.com>. Dicotyledonous Root. Digital image. Open Stax CNX. RICE, n.d. Web. 9 June 2016. <https://cnx.org/contents/pPKTz_LG@1/211---Anatomy-of-dicotyledenou>. Germination Plant Picture. Digital image. Free Photos. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 June 2016. <http://all-free-download.com/free-photos/germination_plant_picture_169076.html>. A new plant emerging from the seed during germination. Digital image.Study. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 June 2016. <http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-seed-germination-definition-process-steps-factors.html>.
