biology and biotechnology

YEAST-GROUP ACTIVATION PACKS (YEAST-GAP)

Research Area: Microbiology

Expedition(s): 8 and 13

Principal Investigator(s): ● Cheryl A. Nickerson, PhD, Arizona State University, Tempe,

Arizona

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Yeast-Group Activation Packs (Yeast-GAP) studies the

effects of genetic changes of yeast cells exposed to the

space environment. The results help scientists

understand how cells that respond to radiation and

microgravity impact the determination of health

remedies and increase the basic understanding of cell

biology.

EARTH BENEFITS

Any insight into the genetic controls of a single-celled

organism like yeast or certain bacteria can yield

tremendous benefits on Earth, including increased

antibiotic production as well as further insight into

general cell biology. Research, such as Yeast-GAP, can

lead to further developments in cancer research.

SPACE BENEFITS

Understanding how microbes reproduce and mutate in

space may lead to the development of additional

countermeasures to protect crew members on future

long-duration missions.

RESULTS

Yeast-GAP was sent to space in October 2002 and

September 2006 to determine the effects microgravity

has on S. cerevisiae. More specifically, this experiment

was conducted to determine which genes impart a

survival advantage and which a disadvantage under the unique environmental conditions

associated with microgravity. To accomplish this, a gene deletion series of yeast strains were

combined and grown in the same media and identical growth conditions both in flight and on

the ground.

S115E07274 - Astronaut Heidemarie M.
Stefanyshyn-Piper, STS-115 mission
specialist, works with the Yeast-Group
Activation Packs (Yeast-GAP) on the
middeck of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Yeast-
GAP experiment studies the effects of
genetic changes of yeast cells exposed to
the space environment. The results help
scientists to understand how cells respond to
radiation and microgravity.