On different sensitivities of microorganisms to lowered gravitation.

ABSTRACT

The influence of lowered gravitation on biomass and CO2 production in B. megaterium, a xerophyte, and Spirillum azotocolligens, an aqueous spirillum, in liquid nutrient medium on a horizontal clinostat at 0.1 g has been studied. As controls we considered 1) growth under stationary conditions of cultivation with test tubes oriented horizontally; 2) growth on a synchronously revolving centrifuge; and 3) growth on a swing with stirring. A horizontal clinostat at 0.1 g stimulates biomass production and CO2 release in B. megaterium as compared with the controls. Spirillum azotocolligens growth is reduced as a result of clinostating. The best development and CO2 production are observed under stationary conditions. The results do not support the assumption that microorganisms living in water are more resistant to lowered gravitation than those living in soil.