[Ferulate]
Regulation by Gravity of Ferulate Formation in Cell Walls of Rice Seedlings

SCIENCE OBJECTIVES FOR EVERYONE

Ferulate tests the hypothesis that microgravity modifies ferulic acid thereby decreasing the mechanical strength of cell walls.

SCIENCE RESULTS FOR EVERYONE

Does microgravity weaken plant cell walls? The Ferulate experiment aims to answer this question by testing whether space reduces the levels of ferulic acid (a chemical related to vanillin, the flavorful ingredient of vanilla beans) in cell walls and therefore decreases cell wall strength in rice and wheat plants. Results suggest that stronger gravity increases the rigid network structures within wheat cell wall, contributing to more stable cell walls. Results also suggest that certain genes and enzyme activities are involved in the formation of cell wall ferulate networks in rice.

Does microgravity impact plant growth or weaken plant cell walls? The Ferulate experiment aims to answer this question by testing whether plant hormones and other compounds affect plant growth and cell wall architecture in rice sprouts. Results showed that microgravity decreases the rigid network structures within rice cell walls but does not affect their growth. Results also showed that certain genes and enzyme activities are involved in the formation of cell wall ferulate networks in rice (Wakabayashi, 2017).