RESUMEN
Effects of space flight on growth and biosynthetic features of plant cells were studied in two strains of ginseng (Panax ginseng) differing in growth and particularly biosynthetic activities, a strain of Lithospermum Erythrorhizon and a strain of Macrotomia Euchroma which produce biologically active naphroquin-derived pigments. --and also differ in growth and biosynthetic properties. Following exposure aboard MIR and a Space shuttle, cells of the callosal cultures were subjected to callosal or suspension passaging. Biomass yield and biologically active substances--ginseng saponins ginsenoids and shikonin were determined in the cells cultures. There was no evidence for the biomass yield to be significantly altered by space flight; however, the content of biologically active substances was materially changed with the strain.