The Effect of Extreme Temperature Fluctuations Simulated of Space on the Electrophoretic Profile of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) Seed Storage Proteins

Abstract

Seed aging is a process that can lead to a complete loss of seed viability. This process occurs when seeds are exposed to long-term storage or controlled deterioration treatments such as excessive dryness, lack of oxygen, and temperature fluctuations on Earth or in outer space. Proteomic changes can occur in the dry state of seeds. Extreme temperature fluctuations in outer space, especially on the moon and Mars, are one of the most important challenges for space scientists to transfer plant seeds and grow them in outer space outside the atmosphere. The present study studied the effects of simulated space temperature fluctuations on the quantitative and qualitative content of dry tomato seed proteins. The results showed 13 protein bands in the molecular weight range of 8.89 to 91.82 kilodaltons. A double or more significant decrease in the intensity of protein bands with high molecular weight was also observed in the treated group compared to the control. Finally, the two-dimensional electrophoresis technique followed by mass spectrometry is suggested for better resolution of tomato seed proteins and their better separation, as well as identification of unknown protein bands in future studies.

Keywords

• seed
• temperature fluctuations
• thermal cycle
• space
• spacecraft
• electrophoresis
• protein
• viability
• moon
• mars