The BRIC-13 investigation will contribute to researchers' understanding of how the weightlessness of space affects the development of plants. Earlier studies conducted in space indicated that microgravity inhibits the earliest cell divisions that lead to embryo formation, which could result in seeds that are formed improperly or seeds that are unable to produce another generation of plants. The implications are important for the crews of future long-duration space flights because they will depend on plants grown in space for food, water, and oxygen.
Better understanding of embryo formation and cell division also could result in advances in medical technology and better pharmaceutical products.
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